ASHLAND | Heroic Siblings in Northern Ohio Save School Bus Driver During Medical Emergency

ASHLAND| A brother and sister used teamwork to save their school bus driver in Northern Ohio.

The kids were on their way to school in Ashland when the driver suffered a medical emergency.

8-year-old Catrina noticed and told the older kids on the bus, including her 14-year-old brother, Charlie.

That’s when her brother got on the radio and called for help.

“My brother, like on the inside when something’s going wrong, he’s scared, but on the outside he’s like calm and concentrated,” said Catrina Thomas.

The bus driver is now out of the hospital and recovering at home.

She said that she teaches kids how to use the radio for emergencies like this.

Surveillance video from inside a school bus shows the moment heroic students in Ashland, Ohio, helped save a bus driver in medical distress.

The quick thinking of Catrina and Charlie Thomas, students at Crestview Local Schools, has earned them praise as heroes after the incident on December 19. Their actions, captured on bus surveillance footage, highlight the importance of emergency preparedness—even among young students.

What an inspiring story of courage and sibling teamwork! Have you heard about similar acts of heroism in your community? Share below.

ASHLAND — An early morning house fire has left a young Ashland family displaced just three days before Christmas,

ASHLAND — An early morning house fire has left a young Ashland family displaced just three days before Christmas, but amid the loss, there was a powerful blessing: everyone made it out safely.
According to Ashland Fire Department Captain Mark Miller, crews were dispatched around 1 a.m. to a structure fire at 623 Hillcrest Drive. Firefighters arrived to find the home engulfed in flames.
The Ashland Police Division, Hayesville Fire Department, and Jeromesville Fire Department all responded to assist at the scene. The American Red Cross was also called in to help the displaced family with immediate needs.
Captain Miller said the intensity of the fire was such that heat damage extended beyond the home, melting a nearby fence and causing damage to the siding of a neighboring structures.
Inside the home was a young family with three small children — a 5-year-old boy and 2-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. Captain Miller emphasized how fortunate the outcome was given the circumstances.
“It’s a blessing that no one was injured,” Miller said. “Everyone made it out of the house.”
That blessing extended to the family’s dog, who also escaped the fire safely.
While no injuries were reported, the family lost nearly everything in the blaze. With Christmas just days away, Captain Miller noted that the family now has very little left.
Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
While there were no injuries, the loss was devastating. Family member Ashley Oxender shared that her sister and brother-in-law lost everything they owned, including both of their vehicles and all belongings inside the home.
“They have what’s on their backs,” Oxender said. “Three days before Christmas. They lost all of the kids’ Christmas presents as well.”
Oxender said the family’s three children are now in urgent need of basic necessities:
5-year-old boy:
Clothing size 6/7
Shoe size 13
Twin boy and twin girl (2 years old):
Clothing size 3T/4T
Shoe size 8–9
Sippy cups
Two high chairs, if available
Adult needs:
Men: Large shirts, pants sizes 32–34, shoe size 10
Women: Pants 16/18, shirts 2XL, sports bras 2XL
All family members are in need of socks, underwear, clothing, shoes, and everyday essentials.
Oxender said the American Red Cross has already been in contact with the family to provide assistance. She also shared an uplifting update from the community response.
The Ashland Fire Department has stepped in to take care of the children’s Christmas presents, a gesture that has brought comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
Donations can be dropped off at 1490 State Route 60 in Ashland, or arrangements can be made to meet donors within Ashland to collect items.
“Thank you for all the prayers, thoughts, and donations,” Oxender said. “It truly means everything.”
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the Ashland community is once again showing that in moments of loss, compassion and generosity shine the brightest.