Dallas School Bus Driver Honored as Hero for Saving Choking Student's Life

Dallas, Texas - Raquel Radford Baker, a school bus driver for the Dallas Independent School District, has been hailed as a hero for her quick thinking and bravery in rescuing a 7-year-old student who was choking on a penny. The incident, which took place on the morning of September 29 outside Seagoville North Elementary, was captured on video footage.

Baker, who was filling in for a coworker that day and wasn't scheduled to work, recounted the moment when she realized the severity of the situation. As the young boy approached the bus doors, he informed Baker that there was a penny stuck in his throat. Without hesitation, Baker knew she had to act fast to save the child's life.

"I got to save this baby. I have to save him," Baker recalled thinking as she swiftly escorted the boy off the bus. She immediately started performing the Heimlich maneuver, a technique she learned during her time in the military and as an employee of the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.

The video footage shows Baker carrying the boy to the school sidewalk while continuously performing the Heimlich maneuver. As panic began to set in, Baker instructed a bystander to call 911. It was a tense moment as the boy's face turned blue and he went limp, but Baker's relentless efforts paid off.

"He stepped to the side and he said, 'Ms. Rocky, I'm okay. I can breathe.' It was a powerful relief for me because I couldn't believe I just reversed this whole thing. That could have really gone wrong, you know, and I'm just grateful," Baker shared.

Baker's heroic actions earned her the nickname "Ms. Rocky" from the students and a celebration in her honor from the school district. On Friday, she was presented with a cape as a symbol of her bravery and selflessness. The district recognized her exceptional dedication to the safety and well-being of the students she serves.

Preston, the 7-year-old boy whose life was saved by Baker, expressed his gratitude and admiration for his bus driver turned hero. "I think she's my hero because she saved my life," Preston said. His mother, Gia Bell, also expressed her gratitude and had the opportunity to personally thank Baker during a heartfelt reunion.

Reflecting on the incident, Baker emphasized the importance of CPR and first aid training for bus drivers and encouraged her colleagues to acquire these life-saving skills. Despite having worked for the Dallas ISD for 17 years, this was the first time Baker had to intervene and save a child's life. Her quick thinking, courage, and determination undoubtedly make her a true hero in the eyes of the community.