USA Health provides CPR training kits to area high schools
Developed by the American Heart Association, special training kits allow students to practice on a manikin while watching skills performed correctly on video, a research-proven way to learn lifesaving CPR.
By Michelle Ryan
mryan@health.southalabama.edu
Because most cardiac arrests happen in the home or public settings, being trained in CPR can save lives. But according to the American Heart Association (AHA), only half of bystanders are trained and willing to perform it.
To help address this need, USA Health sponsors CPR training kits delivered to schools on behalf of the AHA.
Eric Lee, development director for the AHA’s Alabama Gulf Coast chapter, presented kits to two area high schools this month.
“Satsuma High and Foley High now have the potential to train hundreds of students and faculty in Hands-Only Bystander CPR and other first aid techniques,” he said. “Through the education and awareness of physical resuscitation, USA Health is equipping witnesses with the ability to become life savers.”
Recently, the AHA upgraded its CPR in Schools Training Kit designed specifically for schools' needs. With the addition of wheels on the bag that contains manikins, replacement airways and training masks, automated external defibrillator training simulators and more, it can be moved conveniently from classroom to classroom and be stored easily. One of the reusable kits can train hundreds of students.
Developed by the American Heart Association, this kit allows students to practice on a manikin while watching skills performed correctly on the DVD, a research-proven way to learn and retain lifesaving CPR skills.
“The American Heart Association, with the support of USA Health, facilitated two CPR in Schools Training Kits to empower students to learn the lifesaving skills of CPR,” Lee said. “The training kit also teaches AED use and choking relief. Through this resource, USA Health's support can double or triple a person's chance of survival.”
