Wednesday, November 4, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

KindnessGood News Network

Minnesota Worker Jumps Onto Runaway School Bus to Save 18 Kids After Driver has Seizure

In a remarkable act of bravery and quick thinking, Ebro Ahmed, a 27-year-old Eritrean-American, became an unexpected hero in St. Paul's Dayton's Bluff neighborhood. On an ordinary Monday, Ebro was on a break from his job at Ya Bricks Snacks and Tobacco when he noticed a school bus from Battle Creek Middle School rolling by with an open door. Inside, the driver appeared to be having a seizure. Without hesitation, Ebro sprinted towards the moving bus, leapt inside, and managed to engage the parking brake, bringing the bus to a safe stop and ensuring the safety of 18 students on board.

Ebro's courage did not end there. He stayed with the driver, providing assistance to prevent further injury until paramedics arrived. Despite having no formal medical training, he credited his ability to stay calm to watching medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy. Demonstrating humility, Ebro expressed that his actions were not for recognition, but simply driven by a focus on safeguarding the children. His story is a powerful reminder of the potential for everyday heroism and the profound impact one individual's actions can have on a community.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge of ensuring the safety of children during an emergency when the designated driver is incapacitated.
The actions
Ebro Ahmed acted swiftly by jumping onto the moving bus, engaging the parking brake, and providing first aid to the driver.
Evidence of progress
The successful halting of the bus and the safe condition of all 18 students serve as testimony to the effectiveness of his actions.
What we can learn
This incident highlights the importance of quick thinking and the significant impact that a single person's decisive action can have in emergency situations. Communities might consider training more citizens in basic response techniques.
PERMA profile of this story

How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.

Positive Emotion
8
Engagement
9
Relationships
8
Meaning
9
Accomplishment
10
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Courage

    Ebro ran toward the bus, jumped through the open doors, and managed to pull the parking brake.

  • Kindness

    His only focus was protecting the kids.

  • Humility

    He told CBS News: 'Honestly, if it was up to me I would not even take recognition or anything.'

Try this today

Reflect on a time when you acted quickly in a challenging situation. Consider what strengths you drew on and how you might cultivate those strengths further. This reflection can help prepare you for future moments when decisive action is needed.