Training the Next Generation of Lifesavers: Pasadena High School CPR, First Aid Lessons Prep Freshmen for Life’s Unexpected Events
In just three hours, over 700 Pasadena High School ninth grade students learned invaluable skills that could one day save a life.
The school’s sports medicine department teamed up with district athletic trainers, along with several local organizations throughout Pasadena to host a mass training and provide PHS students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid emergencies.
Throughout the day, students learned CPR compressions, automated external defibrillator use, how to assist choking victims and what to expect when calling 911. Students met inspiring role models from the Pasadena Fire Department, Life Flight and East Texas Medical Center who talked to students about life as a first responder.
The training not only empowers students to step forward and help save a life, but it also fulfills a new Texas law students to graduate with CPR training. The law does not go into effect until next year, but that did not stop PHS from being proactive and getting ahead of the curve to ensure that students are prepared for life’s unexpected events.
“It’s really a wonderful opportunity for our district to ensure that we take care of our communities,” Jeremy Jackson, PHS athletic trainer and sports medicine instructor, said.
Brianna Garcia understands firsthand the importance of knowing CPR. The PHS freshman sprang into action and used CPR to save her cousin from a choking accident a few months ago.
“One evening my cousin was eating fried chicken and then he just started chocking and his skin started turning purple,” she said. “I started pumping at his stomach and the third time I pumped at his stomach, he got it out,” she said.
She credited her quick responsiveness to the training she received through the PHS sports medicine department.
Brianna said she never imagined that she would have to use CPR to help a loved one but she was thankful that she had those skills at her disposal.
“I never thought I would have to use CPR and when it happened, I felt panicked, but I knew I had to use it.” She said.
The district partnered with several local organizations to make this learning initiative possible, including the American Heart Association, United Way of Greater Houston, the Pasadena Health Center, East Texas Medical Center, the Pasadena Fire Department and San Jacinto College, who had representatives there to talk to students about medical education programs being offered at the campus
A generous donation from a long-time American Heart Association volunteer and Pasadena Health Center CEO, John Sweitzer, in honor of his sister, Cindy, enabled the purchase of eight AHA CPR in Schools Kits and a half-day emergency response training.
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