On December 5, 2023, an extraordinary tale of courage and quick action emerged from Layton Christian Academy in Utah, where a mother and her 2-year-old son faced a near-fatal accident in the parking lot.
The driver, blinded temporarily by the sun’s glare, unintentionally struck the family.
Fortunately, the quick responses of some high school students and a United States Airman transformed what could have been a tragic event into one of inspiring bravery and hope.
Immediate Response
As Bridgette Ponson walked through the busy parking lot with her two young children, chaos erupted when a car hit them.
Witnesses, engulfed in panic, noted how the family became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Their desperate screams captured the attention of nearby students, who immediately dashed to help.
Although the 3-year-old managed to crawl out from under the car, Bridgette remained pinned down with her younger child underneath her.
In horror, onlookers watched as this scene unfolded, but help quickly arrived.
Over 20 students, united in purpose, joined forces alongside Senior Airman Dominique Childress, who had been picking up his own children.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, they banded together to lift the car, focusing entirely on freeing Bridgette and her children.
Surveillance cameras at the school documented this powerful rescue, highlighting the unwavering determination and strength of the young rescuers.
Bravery in Crisis
Airman Childress revealed that as the group managed to raise the vehicle, Bridgette found a way to shift her position, allowing her to hold the car while still keeping her child secure.
In a critical moment, while he worked on the younger child, Childress noticed the little one’s face had turned purple and he was unresponsive.
Yet, in that frantic instant, he located a pulse, which ignited a fresh wave of urgency among the rescuers.
Theo Roach, one of the students involved, later reflected on the incident, sharing that the weight of the moment struck him only when he saw the child begin to breathe once more.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the airman and the students, both Bridgette and her son were freed from their precarious position, leading to a profound sigh of relief mixed with gratitude.
Community Support and Recovery
Following the dramatic rescue, the youngest child was promptly airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City but was released shortly after with only minor injuries.
Meanwhile, Bridgette faced a more challenging road ahead; she underwent several surgeries and spent a significant amount of time in the hospital recovering.
In the aftermath of this incident, the local community came together to support Bridgette’s family by establishing a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate their medical expenses and help them through this difficult period, as both parents needed to take time off work.
The community’s generosity was overwhelming, resulting in a fundraising success that far surpassed its initial goal.
This moving event illustrates the incredible impact of community spirit and teamwork.
It demonstrates how, during moments of crisis, even strangers can unite and effect change in remarkable ways.
For further insight into the heroism displayed that day, an interview recounting the rescue is available, showcasing the bravery of those involved.
Source: Upworthy