Clarence High School Students Learn CPR Skills With Local First Responders

With time of the essence during a medical emergency, students at Clarence High School learned from local first responders about how they can make a positive impact with hands-only CPR.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time,” said Ruth Rider-Work, Chief of Clarence Fire District #1. “These students could make a life-changing difference if they’re there when something happens.”

During the training session, which took place as part of students’ physical education curriculum, members of the Clarence Fire District #1 along with the Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company took time to show students the correct form for CPR with a manikin. Some of the trainers during the lessons on March 17-18 were alumni of the High School. 

With the Bee Gees’ disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” serving as both background music and timing aide, students worked on their form for chest compressions, with the manikin providing feedback on their pace and depth of pushes. The class also discussed best practices for using an AED machine, as well as location in the school building.

Students were told that every minute counted in responding in a medical emergency, with the American Red Cross reporting that survival chances decrease by 10 percent for every minute that immediate CPR and use of an AED is delayed.

“You have to react,” said physical education teacher Jeffrey Barrett.

More information about how to provide hands-only CPR can be found at https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr.