Redland Middle School teacher, nurse honored for saving student’s life
Seventh grader Colton Cramer collapsed on Jan. 7 during his P.E. class. Teacher Jayson Hall immediately administered CPR and used the school’s automated external defibrillator (AED).
“Things like seizures happen a lot, and when you first approach it, that’s the first thing that goes through your head,” Hall said. “But the moment I realized that there was no pulse, everything in the room goes silent.”
School nurse Kristen Wright, who had never experienced such a critical medical emergency, rushed to the gym from across the building to assist Hall.
“We had a student in the gym, so I ran the whole length of the building,” Wright said. “When I got there, I realized this was a very serious situation.”
Colton’s father, Wayne Cramer, expressed gratitude for Hall and Wright’s quick actions.
“These two are the reason he is here,” Cramer said. “To know what to do and to act upon it are two different things. They did everything they could to give him the best chance.”
Hall reflected on the experience, saying, “People ask me if I’m OK, and why wouldn’t I be? I see this as a moment where God chose to use me, and that’s amazing.”
Wright echoed the sentiment. “God put us in that building on that day for a reason,” she said. “We were used as His tools to do His work, and [Colton] is still with us today.”
Cramer added, “If you have kids, and you don’t tell them you love them every time you see them, you’re crazy, because you never know what could happen.”
Hall and Wright were honored at the Elmore County Board of Education meeting for their lifesaving efforts.
