At the Feb. 6 city council meeting, CATbus driver Sawyer Gambrell received a heroism award from the city and the South Carolina Department of Transportation for going above and beyond during an incident on Jan. 11, 2023.
Gambrell pulled his bus over when he spotted a pickup truck on the sidewalk with the driver slumped over. After pulling him out of the vehicle, Gambrell administered CPR with the help of the Fire Department and medics for 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived. Gambrell’s efforts would have given the driver his best chance, though he did not survive, according to the city of Clemson.
CATbus drivers are not required to assist with emergency situations that occur off the bus but are trained in CPR and first aid. Gambrell is also a certified emergency medical responder and volunteer firefighter.
