Sudbury bus driver recognized for saving teen's life

When Sudbury bus driver Christine Larochelle started her shift on Dec. 11, she didn't know she would end up saving alife that day.

"I just went along and did what I do all the time drive, pick up, drop off."

It was on the route returning from Capreolthat day last month, that Larochellesays she say something on the side of MunicipalRoad80.

"I thought at first that it was a blanket or a bag or something, because of the way she was laying down. So I passed her and then I realized, 'Oh that's a person.'"

The person wasa young woman who had collapsed on the side of the road.

Larochellequickly pulled her bus over and ran out to investigate, and foundthe girl unconscious and without a pulse.

Another driver had also pulled over to help and called 9-1-1.

Larochelle says neither knew CPR, but the 9-1-1 operator talkedLarochellethrough administering chest compressions until an ambulance arrived.

As the mother of a daughter, Larochelle says the experience was incredibly emotional.

"You can't express in words everything that's going on in your head. And emotionally,you think of the family, you think of the girl. Is she going to be okay?"

'It's just a wonderful feeling'

That young woman turned out to17-year old Hannah Godin. Shehad collapsed as a result of a pre-existing heart condition. Sheis healthy now and has recovered.

While many people have praised Larochellefor her quick thinking, she says the best reward is knowing Godin is now safe and healthy.

"She's going to have a productive life, her parents still have her around. The outcome just being so positive, is just amazing...It's just a wonderful feeling," Larochellesays.

Larochellewas recognized for workplace excellence by the City of Greater Sudbury,duringan awardceremony on Monday.