Students given free CPR and AED training at Tigers for Donating Life event

Students given free CPR and AED training at Tigers for Donating Life event

Tigers for Donating Life held an event last week teaching attendees CPR and AED resuscitation techniques, and the student organization even provided them the opportunity for a heart scan.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital each year, and only around 9% survive. Tigers for Donating Life President Macy Schmelz said that hosting this event was important to spreading awareness on the signs and possibly helping reduce the mortality rate.

“I truly wanted our members to grasp the concept of CPR and AEDs. Many people overcomplicate it, so it's important to have basic knowledge of what to do during an emergency,” Schmelz said.

Gray’s Army Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest in youth, helped the club put on the event. Their Secretary Treasurer Michelle Temple, who helped found the foundation after the death of her son Grayson from a cardiac arrest, taught attendees alongside other team members and medical professionals.

Temple helped demonstrate a scenario in which someone could go into cardiac arrest, allowing for students to join in and see firsthand the steps to take: Starting with CPR, bringing out an AED then the steps to calling 911.

“It does happen and it happens to people of any age so keep that in mind,” said Doug Champlin, the Louisiana Bureau of EMS Compliance Coordinator.

Champlin helped with the demonstration, and even allowed for a practice phone call with 911 to show students what it could be like in a real situation.

Tigers for Donating Life also helps raise awareness for organ donation and eye donation. CPR and AED use may not always save someone, but it can allow for that person to be eligible for organ donation.

“My mom, Maria, was a donor hero,” Schmelz said. “I started this group to turn my grief into something good. I hope to help educate others on the beauty that can come out of saying 'yes' to donation.”