Rochester Regional Health and the American Heart Association are working together to equip Wayne County students with lifesaving CPR skills. Through a new initiative, the organizations are providing Hands-Only CPR training kits to several local school districts, ensuring more young people are prepared to respond in a cardiac emergency.
The first set of CPR in Schools Training Kits was presented Tuesday night during halftime of a basketball game between Newark Central and Palmyra-Macedon Central School Districts. Additional kits will be distributed to schools across the county, including Clyde-Savannah, Gananda, Lyons, Marion, North Rose-Wolcott, Red Creek, Sodus, and Williamson school districts.
With nearly 75% of cardiac arrests occurring at home, knowing CPR can mean the difference between life and death. Research from the American Heart Association shows that immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
“These kits will allow hundreds of students to gain the confidence and ability to act in a cardiac emergency,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association in Rochester. “Seconds matter, and thanks to Rochester Regional Health’s support, we’re expanding the Nation of Lifesavers.”
Each training kit includes equipment to teach Hands-Only CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and choking relief. Designed specifically for schools, the kits can train large numbers of students in just a single class period.
Rochester Regional Health emphasized the importance of preparing students to respond in emergencies.
“Every minute counts in a cardiac emergency,” said Dr. LeKeyah Wilson, VP of Community Engagement and Social Impact at Rochester Regional Health. “Giving students the skills to save lives is just as essential as any lesson taught in the classroom. We’re proud to support this effort to make our communities stronger and safer.”
The American Heart Association is urging schools, businesses, and individuals to learn Hands-Only CPR. More information about CPR training and resources can be found at cpr.heart.org.
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