Bapatla News: How School Bus Driver's Prompt Action After Suffering Cardiac Arrest Saved Lives Of 40 Students

A bus driver transporting as many as 40 school children to a private school in Addanki town of Andhra Pradesh died of a cardiac arrest on Wednesday. The driver, identified as Gurrala Edukondalu, managed to stop the vehicle before he passed out, averting a major road accident.

The incident took place when the 53-year-old was driving the bus through Mylavaram, Uppalapadu and Vempara villages in Bapatla district. After the incident, the locals present at the spot rushed the driver to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to police, the driver suffered a heart attack after moving from Uppalapadu but before he passed out, he stopped the vehicle in a split second averting a major tragedy and saving the lives of as many as 40 children on board. Police have also initiated an investigation into the case to know the complete details of the incident.

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A heart attack is a life-threatening condition that affects many people in India every year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were responsible for more than one-fourth of all deaths in India in 2016 which is an alarming situation. A heart attack happens when the body's supply to the heart is reduced or blocked due to damage to the blood vessels. 

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Some of the main factors that cause this damage are high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, stress and inherited traits from one’s own parents. To avoid a heart attack, it is advisable to follow a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, exercising regularly, quitting tobacco and alcohol, managing stress and getting regular check-ups.