P.E. Teacher, Administration Save the Life of Sixth Grade Student

Written by Jennifer Austin on May 19, 2011 in Local News, News - No comments

UPDATE: The young lady subject of this story is Abby Doman. Later stories of community support for Doman include:

Local Businesses show heart for Abby Doman

Dixie Rebels, Wide Receiver Cameron Murdock, Doman’s teacher who performed CPR

National Mustang Show in St. George April 2012 names Abby Doman as the local beneficiary

ST. GEORGE – A first-year Physical Education teacher and school officials saved the life of a sixth grader at Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School yesterday.

Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Marshall Topham said the sixth-grade girl collapsed during her P.E. class and had no vital signs. Her teacher, Cameron Murdock, immediately began CPR. He was assisted by school counselor Allison Thacker, Principal Sandy Ferrell and Vice Principal Desirae Roden.

Topham said the girl had a previous heart condition that no one, not even her parents, knew about. Medical personnel arrived on scene and transported the girl to Dixie Regional Medical Center were she was later revived, he said. Two respiratory nurses from Salt Lake City were flown to St. George to assist the girl, who then was transported by air to Primary Children’s Hospital.

Topham said the girl is alive, but may undergo a heart transplant. He said the student’s mother works at the school, but was at the hospital with another child who was about to undergo knee surgery, which was then postponed.

Topham said the teacher and school administration saved the child’s life for beginning CPR although she had no vital signs at the time.

Email jwatkins@stgnews.com

About the Author

Jen Austin is the Executive Editor of the Davis County Clipper. She is a previous Talk Radio Host on Fox News Radio and the Marketing Director for a Utah law firm. She was the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of St. George News. She is a mother of two, journalist and blogger, and previously served as a police officer in the United States Air Force. Jen previously worked as the Managing Editor for Today in Dixie and Sports Editor for the Park Record. She has volunteered with at-risk youth and the domestic violence council in Mountain Home, Idaho.