Four Students Spring Into Action After School Bus Driver Suffers Medical Emergency

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pennsylvania — September 30, 2026 — Four high school students in Pennsylvania quickly stepped in when their school bus driver suffered a medical emergency, helping bring the moving vehicle to a stop and getting assistance for the driver.

The Bus Suddenly Started Moving

The incident happened on September 18 in Hollidaysburg as students from the Hollidaysburg Area School District were being taken home.

After the bus had stopped to let students off, the vehicle unexpectedly began moving again. Students soon realized that something was wrong with the driver, who was experiencing a medical emergency.

Students Took Different Roles

Senior Skyla Horton reacted by applying the parking brake and opening the bus doors. Senior Travis Zerby used the vehicle’s radio to call for assistance.

Sophomore Alexis Smith rushed toward the driver’s seat. She applied the foot brake, helped secure the vehicle and checked the driver’s pulse. Sophomore Jenna Anderson called 911 to request emergency assistance.

Video from inside the bus captured the students working together as the emergency unfolded.

Training Helped Them React

Horton and Smith said skills they had learned through a health and medical science program at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center helped them respond during the emergency.

The students’ actions prevented the bus from continuing uncontrolled and allowed emergency responders to reach the driver.

The Driver Later Returned to Work

The bus driver received medical attention and was later medically cleared to return to driving.

Hollidaysburg Area School District Superintendent Curtis Whitesel praised the four students for remaining focused during the emergency and helping protect the other students on board.

The incident has since drawn attention after video of the students’ response was released, showing how quickly a routine school trip turned into an emergency that required students to act.

Sources

People — reporting on the four students and the school bus emergency.

Altoona Mirror — accounts from the students about what happened aboard the bus.