By: Crystal Mutilitis, Clinician
What is CPR and why is it important? CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, every year 475,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States. CPR is important and can be life-saving because it keeps the blood flow active even partially which extends the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive on site.
Knowing just how important CPR is, Pathways and the Carteret school district teamed up to provide Carteret High School and Middle School students the opportunity to become Adult CPR and First Aid certified earlier last month. The training was part of a district-wide initiative to develop student crisis management teams in each school. The teams will be trained to respond in various crisis situations and is a great opportunity for students to enhance their leadership skills.
An American Red Cross certified trainer, Sue Fair, held the training for students in the school during the school day, making the training accessible. In addition, the school district covered the cost, allowing all students access! A total of 35 students were certified and are now equipped with the skills needed to assist with CPR in the school and in the community. The school district was eager to provide this opportunity, knowing how vital this certification can be. Community trainings can be expensive and time-consuming and sometimes can deter participants, but with covering the cost and offering the time during the school day, the training slots filled up quickly. Carteret school district will definitely host trainings in the future and Pathways is certainly always eager to help and serve the community!