Bystander Recognition: Christy Brothers Receives State Bystander Award

On January 30, 2026, Campbell County EMS responded to a 911 call at a local elementary school involving a young student experiencing severe respiratory distress.

When EMS arrived, two bystanders had already stepped forward to help. One was an off-duty nurse practitioner who was at the school picking up her own children. The other was the student's junior kindergarten teacher, Christy Brothers.

Christy had been the student's teacher for just 100 days. During that time, she had built a strong relationship with him and earned his trust. When EMS arrived, the child was frightened and struggling to breathe. He would not engage with the unfamiliar responders.

When Christy entered the room, his breathing became calmer. Recognizing how important Christy's presence was, EMS asked her to assist with his care. She calmly followed their direction as they placed EKG electrodes. She also helped with a breathing treatment. When the child initially resisted the treatment, Christy took the mask and listened to the paramedic's instructions. With her help, he was able to accept the treatment while resting against her.

As the emergency continued, Christy helped EMS prepare the child for an IV. She knew what would help him stay calm. She counted to 100 with him and shielded his view during the procedure. Her steady presence allowed EMS to provide the care he needed while helping him feel safe.

Christy also knew the small details that mattered to her student. She told EMS that lime green was his favorite color, so his IV was secured with lime green Coban. Christy then held out her own arm and asked for some Coban too. When she mentioned that the child loved dogs, a dog was drawn on the Coban on her arm. These small moments helped the child become more comfortable with the EMS team.

By the time EMS arrived at the hospital, the child was comfortable enough to accept care from the responders. Christy stayed by his side throughout the emergency and continued working alongside EMS to help him feel safe. Campbell County EMS takes pride in its “Culture of Calm.” Christy demonstrated that same calmness and care when her student needed it most.

For her actions that day, Christy was recently honored with the State Bystander Award at the 51st Annual Trauma Conference in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Campbell County EMS presented the award with representatives from the Wyoming State Office of EMS by their side.

During the presentation, the State Office of EMS shared that the story and the collaboration between the bystanders and EMS are already making an impact across Wyoming. Their efforts are helping demonstrate the important role bystanders can play alongside EMS providers. The story will also leave a lasting legacy for both bystanders and EMS providers across the state.

Although the student and his family have since moved out of Gillette, Christy's connection with him continues. She was able to video call him on his first day in his new community and talk with him, continuing the relationship they built in her classroom.

Christy's actions are a powerful reminder that emergency care can begin long before an ambulance arrives. Sometimes, it starts with someone who knows how to make a person feel safe. It can be someone who stays calm when things become frightening. It can also be someone who is willing to step forward and help when they are needed most.

Campbell County Health is proud to recognize Christy Brothers for her compassion, quick thinking, and unwavering support of her student. Her actions made a lasting difference that day, and her State Bystander Award is a well-deserved recognition of the impact she continues to make.