Students, staff and first responders credited with saving teacher's life at Chippewa Falls Middle School

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District board on May 6 honored students, staff and first responders who helped save a teacher’s life after a medical emergency at Chippewa Falls Middle School on April 30.

Mr. Konsman opened the recognition, describing a rapid, coordinated response in which staff began CPR within roughly one minute, an automated external defibrillator was applied within two minutes, and emergency medical services arrived in about six minutes after 911 was called. He said the district wanted to “recognize some individuals that literally saved a life” and to encourage broader CPR and AED training in the community.

Officer Downey, the school resource officer who responded, praised the students and staff and told the board, “Without a doubt, you saved a life,” noting the speed of the coordinated effort. The board read certificates honoring pupils and staff; the list included Sarah Ahmad, Ryan Becker, Annabelle Dallas, Kayla Frsman, Preston Gunderson and more. The district also recognized its emergency response team and local EMS trainers who provide recurring CPR instruction to the community.

The teacher who was the subject of the medical emergency, Miss Hiller, told the board, “I’m alive today because they knew what to do when the adult in the room went down,” and said she remembered the event and was grateful for the calm and skilled response.

The board presented a plaque to Mr. Konsman on behalf of the board and acknowledged a plaque for the city’s emergency management personnel. Board members used the moment to emphasize continuing investment in emergency preparedness training, AED availability, and partnerships with local first responders.

The recognition did not include policy changes; board members thanked presenters and moved on to the meeting’s remaining agenda items.