Medical history proves that teens in high school are not likely to suffer a cardiac arrest under normal or routine circumstances. This is why they don’t worry about it as much as a much a older person or someone with a heart condition would. Since their peers at school, with whom they spend the majority of the day with, are low-risk for a cardiac arrest, they don’t consider getting CPR training a priority.
But in reality, the fact is that these students might be closer to someone suffering a heart attack than they realize. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiac arrests are some of the most common problems people suffer from. Although the teens themselves are not at risk, adults around them might be.
Importance of CPR Training for High School Students
As explained previously, having CPR training, will equip students with life-saving skills that can help them save a loved one. Besides that, they can also help a stranger in case of an incidence that occurs outside of home. If someone in a mall or park was to suffer a sudden cardiac arrest, they could perform emergency CPR and keep their heart going until the ambulance and EMTs arrive.
In cases of bystander CPR, unfortunately, only less than 32% of the victims receive emergency CPR. This means that chances of survival for almost 68% of the victims are reduced 2-3 times. This information only further proves that high school students with CPR training will only help improve these statistics.
Because there are only benefits to be trained in AHA-approved hands-only CPR training, many high schools around the US have made it a graduation requirement. Texas, in the school year 2014-15 also put into effect the legislation of mandatory CPR training for high school students.
The law requires that student in grade 7-12 need to have certified proof of receiving CPR training to graduate high school. In fact, a Tomball High School junior, Brennan aged 18, was able to save a man’s life by administering emergency CPR.
Commonly Asked Questions
At times when there is talk of high school students receiving CPR training, there are some questions that often come up. The following queries are some of the most common ones that parent and students have:
- Are high schoolers strong enough?
The answer to this question is that anyone who is roughly 110 pounds is able to perform CPR. While teenagers weighing less than that can also perform CPR, they need to practice to make sure they can exert enough pressure needed for a reliable chest compression.
- How much do CPR sessions cost?
Learning life-saving skills might charge a fee, but it is very minimal. Training centers like Texas CPR offers comprehensive training sessions at affordable rates.
- How long are the training sessions?
Each CPR training program is different and takes different amount of time to complete. While there are one-time programs that take only a 30-minute session to complete, generally it takes a few hours to get a certification.
Texas CPR offers a training program at the client or school’s location, during which they teach AHA’s CPR courses. Along with thorough instruction and demonstration, trainees will also get their certification cards the same as the training. Contact us now to find out more or register yourself for a program at 214-770-6872.
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