School Science Project May Have Saved Teacher’s Life

What began as a science project for some Oelwein Middle School students, may have just saved the life of one of their teachers.

Two students who were working on their project for a middle school science fair recently, asked 8th grade math teacher Michelle Gearhart if they could take her blood pressure, using an automated cuff.

Gearhart, not thinking she has any problems with her blood pressure, acquiesced.

When the students collected the data they read on the cuff, it registered 196/110, which is regarded as hypertensive crisis.

Gearhart later asked a school nurse to verify the numbers, which were correct. She then called her doctor.

Gearhart's condition is being monitored by her family doctor, who is trying to determine what is causing the high numbers. Meanwhile, she is under medication to keep the pressure down.

In the meantime, the students may have just learned something with their project, as well as saving someone's life.