Bethel Prepares to Save Lives

TEXARKANA, TEX. – As children's advocate and principal/teacher it is very important to make sure that I am prepared for any type of medical emergency that may occur at school. 

With that in mind, I decided to renew both my First Aid and CPR Certificate. To my surprise, we were also taught how to use Automated External Defibrillator (AED) equipment, which was very exciting! After completing my certification, a thought came to my mind, "How about certification for my students!" 

After communicating with several organizations, I contacted the Texarkana LifeNet Emergency Medical Service, and to my surprise and excitement they stated that they would be more than happy to come to our school and teach students CPR and how to use the AED equipment.

LifeNet arrived at the school one morning, and from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., each student of Bethel Adventist Church School was instructed on how to administer CPR. LifeNet has a unique method of showing the students how to apply pressure to the chest: music! 

Yes, they record music and tell the students to rock to the music as they apply compressions, which allow the students to push down with a rhythm. Both of the EMTs repeated to the students “Let’s save this person's life!” My eager students pushed with excitement with the thought in mind, "I'm saving a life!"

The students were taught where to place each AED pad and how to operate the machine, which to their amazement gave them step-by-step instructions and told them when to clear to prevent being shocked from the equipment. 

After the training, each student received a card to remember how to perform CPR and how to use the AED equipment. 

Mr. Clemons, the school’s security officer and teacher assistant, and I were so excited seeing our students performing CPR and using the AED equipment that we took pictures like proud parents and celebrated our children's accomplishments!

By Sandra Clemons, Principal