Published: January 11, 2018
Updated: Jan. 13, 2016 at 3:06 p.m.
In times of crisis, many people shy away from acts of bravery. Freshman Malachi Fedderson stepped up to the plate when a stranger’s life was in danger. On Oct. 9, 2015 during the Varsity Football game against Fort Zumwalt West, a parent from the opposing team collapsed near the concession stand and started wheezing for air. Malachi was standing nearby and noticed that the man was in need of help.
“I knew that I had to do something to help when I saw that he had stopped breathing,” said Fedderson. “I don’t remember what happened because it was all a blur, but I remember lots of people hugging me after it was over.”
The man had just gone into cardiac arrest when Fedderson came to his rescue. He started to give the man chest compressions until he began to breathe again. The ambulance soon arrived and took the man to the hospital. Doctors said that Malachi’s chest compressions were done well. Although he survived the initial event, the man passed away in the hospital days later after having received professional medical attention.
“Most people, even as adults, would look for another person to help, but Malachi jumped in himself,” Associate Principal, Katie Greer said. “He was brave, courageous, and there was no hesitation to step up and do what he needed to do to save a life.”
Malachi had learned CPR in Jenelle Louis’ health class earlier that week. Several trained professionals came into the class as guest speakers to show the students how to perform CPR.
“It was amazing that he had just learned it that week,” Greer said. “I was so happy for him, but I was also worried for how he would emotionally handle it.”
The St. Charles County Ambulance District held a ceremony shortly before winter break to recognize Malachi for his act of bravery. He received a Citizen Service Award and was given a plaque for his efforts. Malachi’s family along with Louis attended the ceremony.
“Whether or not the man did make it, [we] still believe that Malachi deserved this award,” Louis said. “He recognized a bad situation and worked to make it better. Not many other people would do that.”
Fedderson says that if he could take anything away from the situation, it would be to do the right thing whenever you can. He says to pay attention and learn as much as possible that way the knowledge of how to handle a situation can be used when it needs to.
Editor’s note: In an earlier version of this post, we published a story that implied the individual, who will remain unidentified, had ultimately survived the event. Unfortunately, the individual passed away in the hospital a couple days after the event. The story was updated to clarify that.
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