BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University 2017 graduate and Bears’ public address announcer, Billy Brunstrom, recently received some much-deserved recognition for helping a choking student.
The Plymouth (Mass.) School District said Brunstrom, who is teaching physical education, came to the rescue last week during dismissal at Manomet Elementary School.
“Brunstrom noticed a student giving the universal choking sign and struggling for air,” Plymouth Public Schools said in a Facebook post. “He quickly pulled the student aside and used his First Aid/CPR training to administer the Heimlich Maneuver, which successfully cleared the airway.”
“We are extremely grateful for Mr. Brunstrom's swift actions and the assistance of School Nurse Educator, Luanne Nemes,” the district added.
According to the post, Nemes noted that the student did the most important thing - used the universal sign of choking while in distress - and during that very scary moment the student was extremely brave.
The Manomet school staff thanked Billy on Tuesday for his swift actions with a much deserved celebration as they presented him with a cake and Superman T-shirt.
“Although we hope our staff is never in a situation such as this one, we are always grateful for their immediate response and constant care for students,” the district said.
Members of the Plymouth community commenting on Facebook were appreciative of Brunstrom’s efforts.
“Thanks, Mr. B!,” one commenter wrote. “We are so fortunate to have such great people watching out for our kids.”
Brunstrom, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 2017, served as a public address announcer for various varsity sporting events during his time as a student employee at BSU from 2013 to 2017. In fact, Billy still answers the call from the Bears’ Home Events Manager, Mike Donovan, if ever there is a need.