CPR training and resources available to public high schools

CPR training and resources available to public high schools
Knowing CPR can be the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency.

The American Heart Association, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, is helping to ensure students know how to respond to a cardiac emergency. Together, they are providing 500 schools in Ohio with CPR — cardiopulmonary resuscitation — training and resources.

This initiative helps schools fulfill state curriculum requirements on CPR and aims to build a Nation of Lifesavers — a program in which people are educated on CPR and automated external defibrillator use.

With a focus on cardiac arrest preparedness in schools, the American Heart Association is increasing the number of trained and willing bystanders in Ohio communities, which means more lives are saved.

Every year, approximately 350,000 Americans experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, often at home.

Survival depends on bystanders stepping in, calling 911 and beginning CPR until help arrives. When cardiac arrests happen at home, it’s usually up to the victim’s loved ones, like a spouse or child, to save their family member’s life.

“Unfortunately, less than half of cardiac arrest victims who experience their event outside of a hospital receive bystander CPR,” said Amber Higbie, CPR in Schools Program manager. “Survival rates are less than 12%. CPR can double or triple the chances of survival. And yet, so many die because those around them don’t feel empowered to intervene.”

She said during a cardiac emergency, 70% of Americans feel helpless.

“This initiative is working to help change that,” Higbie said.

That’s where schools come in.

The American Heart Association is training educators, giving Ohio high school teachers the ability to train their students in Hands-Only CPR.

The association also is providing educators with a curriculum and a CPR training kit. This training is offered virtually, in person or through on-demand videos.

Ohio law requires each public school that offers grades 9-12 to provide instruction in CPR and the use of AEDs to all students. All public high schools in Ohio are entitled to receive training, curriculum and resources, including a CPR in Schools Training Kit.