Chancellor Livingston Elementary School fifth graders correctly answered questions without hesitation a day after being trained during physical education class by first responders on how to apply CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
“Call 911, put it on speaker and begin CPR,” said Riley Bresnahan on responding to someone unconscious in cardiac arrest.
Stan Hagedorn added, “You can call 911, but it may take too long for help to come. It could be life threatening if you didn’t know how to do CPR.”
The knowledge students gained from the session held during American Heart Month is something they can take with them wherever they go.
“If you are home alone with a family member and they suddenly need CPR, you need to save them,” said Bresnahan. “You just can’t call 911 and wait for them to come.”
Students were trained in hands-only CPR, using chest compressions on a CPR mannequin.
“They told us for the compressions you’re supposed to use the palm of your hands, put them on top of each other and do it to the beat of ‘Stayin’ Alive’ or ‘Baby Shark,’ ” said Nelson Anchin.
Students were not given the opportunity to use the AED, but listened as an open AED explained the systematic process of how it is used. When asked, the students all quickly answered that AEDs are located in CLS near the main entrance on the ground floor and near the library on the second floor.
“It went well. We got to learn a lot about it and it was really interesting,” said Ellavive Chawla of the training.
Fifth grade teacher Chantal Collins said students returned to class excited with the CPR books they received during the training, adding that all students answered yes when she asked the students if they could save their teacher in an emergency.
“I think it’s great and really important that they do the training,” she said. “There are articles throughout the country where people in the past have taken one of these classes and they end up saving someone or making a difference.”
Physical education teachers Kevin Yarnell and Erik Thomas have continued the program that began about 20 years ago for the students, who expressed thanks.
“I appreciate they set this up for us. Saving a life is really important and we should know how to save a life,” said Rocco Duzyj.