MANCHESTER, N.H.- In less than an hour apiece, every student at the Middle School at Parkside learned how to save a life using just their hands and a little upper body strength. Members of Manchester Fire, American Medical Response (AMR) and Boston MedFlight were on hand, armed with an assortment of inflatable CPR manikins to teach students hands-only CPR.
"We really, really hope that you never have to do this. But there may be a situation where you need to," says Capt. Chris Hickey of the Manchester Fire Department. "One of the biggest things you need to take out of this, even if you completely forget everything we talk about, is that doing something is better than doing nothing."
The inaugural CPR challenge was part of an effort spearheaded by the state's Executive Council to get as many people trained in CPR as possible during National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Executive Councilor John Stephen was on hand at Parkside, watching students learn the skill. For him, the effort hits close to home. Less than six months ago, Stephen was out for a run while visiting Florida when he collapsed. He says he is alive today thanks to two people out walking their dog who saw him collapse and performed CPR.
"We need to make sure the public is trained and understands, because this could happen to anyone at any moment," Stephen said.
“Teaching students these skills at an early age helps build confidence and empowers them to respond in an emergency,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel. “We are grateful to our community partners for helping bring this important training opportunity to our schools.”
According to the American Heart Association, CPR doubles a person’s chances of survival if performed immediately.
“Events like these mean a lot because we’re giving kids the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life who might need it,” said Capt. Hickey. “I’ve been teaching classes like this for almost 10 years now, and the good thing is that we see people do it all the time. It really does make a difference in saving someone’s life.”
For more information on hands-only CPR, click here.
