Katy ISD Student Steps In During Medical Emergency, Putting EMT Training Into Action
When someone suddenly collapsed in a public setting, there was a brief moment of uncertainty—people looking around, unsure of what to do.
That’s when Olivia Hanawalt stepped forward.
The Paetow High School senior didn’t hesitate. She moved through the crowd, assessed the situation, and began helping until first responders arrived—using the training she’s been building as a student in Katy ISD’s Miller Career & Technology Center.
“I have an obligation to help because I am equipped to help in that situation,” Hanawalt said. “Because I am a student in this program, I knew the protocols and what to do. Without that knowledge, the situation could have been much worse.”
Recognized for Stepping Up
Harris County Emergency Services District 48 (ESD 48), the first responders who arrived on scene, later recognized Hanawalt with a special coin presentation in front of her classmates.
It was a simple gesture—but one that reflected just how much her actions stood out.
“When she witnessed an emergency situation, Olivia didn’t hesitate to stop and help,” representatives from Harris County ESD 48 said. “Her quick thinking and willingness to act show the heart of someone dedicated to helping others.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
A Direction That Started Early
For Hanawalt, this moment wasn’t random.
She traces her interest in healthcare back to meeting a volunteer firefighter through her church—someone who became a mentor and helped her see what a future in emergency care could look like. That early exposure stuck, eventually shaping her decision to pursue a path in healthcare.
Now, she’s considering a future as either a labor and delivery nurse or an emergency room nurse—roles where, much like that day, the stakes are high and the work is deeply personal.
“I love that every situation is different,” Hanawalt said. “There’s always something new to learn and another opportunity to help someone in a meaningful way.”
The Kind of Student Others Rely On
Those who work with Hanawalt say what happened that day is consistent with who she is.
Her teacher, Lara Ondruch, sees it in the classroom—how she approaches the material, how she treats others, and how she carries herself.
“Olivia has a bright future ahead of her in healthcare,” Ondruch said. “She has a natural understanding of the material, asks thoughtful questions and consistently supports her classmates. She brings both compassion and confidence to everything she does.”
Outside of school, Hanawalt stays just as involved. She serves on the Katy ISD Safety and Security Student Advisory Board, participates in student leadership at Kingsland Baptist Church, and is a member of the Psi Alpha Psychology National Honor Society. She also volunteers regularly and creates murals for nonprofit organizations.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Training That Shows Up in Real Life
Hanawalt is part of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at Miller Career & Technology Center, where Katy ISD students get hands-on experience in emergency care—not just in theory, but in real-world situations.
Students in the program learn how to respond to medical emergencies through a combination of classroom instruction and practical training, including CPR, Basic Life Support, and patient care skills. They’re also expected to meet professional standards, from attention to detail to completing health screenings and background checks, reflecting what’s required in the field.
One of the most unique parts of the program is the opportunity to participate in rotations with community partners, where students observe—and in some cases assist with—actual emergency calls.
It’s the kind of experience that’s hard to replicate in a traditional classroom—and in Hanawalt’s case, it made all the difference.
Looking Ahead
Even with the recognition, Hanawalt keeps her focus simple.
“I want to be there for people on their hardest days,” she said. “If I can bring comfort, help and hope when they need it most, that’s what matters.”
For the Katy community, her impact is a reminder that sometimes the people who make the biggest difference aren’t the ones you expect—they’re the ones who are ready to step in when it counts.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more stories that reflect the people behind Katy’s growing community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.