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The organization that pioneered an iPhone app that would allow good Samaritans to help save a life by alerting them when someone suffers a cardiac emergency is taking its message to seventh graders.
On Monday, in partnership with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District taught hands-only CPR and the proper use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to 261 Diablo Vista Middle School 7th graders, two student assistants and three teachers.
Students learned if an adult has a sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends on immediate CPR and AED use from someone nearby. They also learned that less than a third of those people who experience a cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location get the help they need.
The students also learned that it’s not normal to see an adult suddenly collapse and become unresponsive and if they do witness an adult collapsing they should check the person, call 911 and then push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest until help arrives. They were encouraged to not be afraid and that their actions can only help.
“All of the instructors were so impressed with the willingness to learn these students displayed,” said Captain Andy Swartzell, emergency medical services coordinator for the fire district. “They really understood the importance of learning this life saving skill.”
Each student was given the opportunity to practice on CPR manikins while district staff made sure that the students were using proper form.
In addition to the hands-only CPR skill, students were also given an overview of AEDs and how simply they are to use and were encouraged to also deploy these AEDs if they witness an adult cardiac arrest.
The presentations were a pilot program that both the Fire District and the School District hopes to expand to all seventh graders in the San Ramon Valley next school year.
