Life-saving skills start in the classroom!

In honor of back-to-school season, the American Heart Association recently visited Washington High School in Washington, MO to present the district with CPR and First Aid Training Kits and an AED trainer.

Dr. Wilmes, Washington High School principal, kicked off the assembly and introduced American Heart Association employees Alison Van Bergen, School Engagement Director, and Maura Patel, Missouri Government Relations Director.

Alison spoke about the importance of the CPR kits and how CPR training is a high school graduation requirement in Missouri. She also noted that thanks to these kits, students will “be prepared, not scared” in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

Maura spoke about our American Heart Association Heart Powered network and the importance of advocacy in building a Nation of Lifesavers through teaching Hands-Only CPR. Not only to meet requirements, but to ensure schools across the state have the resources necessary to train our next generation.

Every year, over 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals. These tools empower bystanders to take action by dialing 9-1-1, starting hands-only CPR, and using an AED.

Partnerships like this one at Washington High School are making Missouri safer.