Metro elementary principal voted Heart Hero

A metro elementary principal's quick actions that saved a student's life aren't going unnoticed.

Monday, August 25th 2008, 7:58 pm

By: News 9


By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

A metro elementary principal's quick actions that saved a student's life aren't going unnoticed.

It's been a little more than nine months, but for Mickey Wilson, his emotions are still raw.

"You know, I really feel like at best we got to help, but I think God has a plan for this little boy," Wilson said.

It was November 20 when Casey Amend was sitting on a bench outside the principal's office. Ironically, being in trouble actually saved his life.

"His lips were turning blue and he was pale and we knew right away something was more serious than him playing like he was asleep," Wilson said.

Casey was in cardiac arrest. In a split second, he had gone from being a healthy 10-year-old boy to a child on the brink of death.

"We couldn't detect a pulse, we started CPR," Wilson said.

Principal Wilson and his staff continued CPR until EMSA arrived and took Casey to the hospital.

Richard and Cecilia Amend were told their grandson had suffered serious brain damage. Casey was given his last rites. His grandparents prepared themselves for the worst.

Sixteen days after slipping into a coma, Casey woke up and began talking.

"I'm in wonder and awe, God has something planned for him," Cecilia said.

Weeks later, Casey returned to school for a big celebration. The miracle boy was back and had a gift and a lesson for his principal.

A sign was made for Casey that now hangs in his room. Since the incident, Casey has received a pacemaker, and he's back to being Casey.

"It's just amazing, it's all because of the school and their quick action in saving his life," Richard said.

Wilson is just glad his wife convinced him to learn CPR.

"I'm really glad I got the training," Wilson said.

Ninety-nine percent of the staff at Harvest Hill Elementary is now certified in CPR, even though only two people are required by law to be certified.

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