New program offers CPR training to Burke County students

New program offers CPR training to Burke County students
A Burke County school has started a pilot program that is aimed at potentially saving lives.

Fifth graders at Glen Alpine Elementary went through CPR training Tuesday morning to learn potential life-saving measures.

Channel 9′s Dave Faherty spoke with teachers and students who took part in the training. They hope the measures are never needed, but hope they teach others in the community.

School nurse Janet French came up with the idea and received Title I funding through the fifth grade science curriculum to buy dozens of training kits.

“I think it is awesome. It empowers them with leadership skills with life a saving skill,” French said. “And who knows, maybe someday they will be able to save a life from this.”

Dave Faherty on Twitter: "Burke Co- a pilot program at Glen Alpine Elementary is teaching 5th graders CPR. The school is hoping the students will share what they’ve learned with loved ones and help save a life. The story today on channel 9 eyewitness news at noon and 5pm. https://t.co/MilcI5RKvy" / Twitter

The kits include an instructional video and a lifelike dummy. More than 50 students took part in the training.

“You do have to save the person. And if you don’t do it, they’re dying,” student Travis Brooks said. “And you don’t want somebody to die. Even if it’s not a family member or is a family member.”

Each student is given a training kit to take home.