CPR training kit donated to Pennsylvania high school

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recently donated a CPR in Schools training kit to Carlisle High School. The donation was made possible with support from Rite Aid, as part of their sponsorship of the Capital Region Heart Ball.

Developed by the American Heart Association, the portable training kits contain inflatable manikins, AED training simulators, kneel mats, instructional DVDs, facilitator guides and cleaning materials. They are designed to help educators facilitate CPR training in a single class period and to be reused to train an entire school.

Only about 45 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional help arrives. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. In 2019, the American Heart Association advocated for passage of legislation that ensures all Pennsylvania high school students are trained in Hands-Only CPR.

The American Heart Association trains more than 23 million people globally every year by educating healthcare providers, caregivers, and the general public on how to respond to cardiac arrest and first aid emergencies. To learn more about CPR training, visit heart.org/cpr.

(from left to right) Theresa McBride, development director for school engagement, American Heart Association; Kristie Davis, development director, American Heart Association; Scott Jacobson, vice president of enterprise pharmacy operations at Rite Aid; Justin Kretzing, health teacher, Carlisle High School; Jason Moyer, health teacher, Carlisle High School; Kyle Brengel, health teacher, Carlisle High School; Lauren Cassell, virtual teacher, Carlisle High School; Brian Waiter, teacher, Carlisle High School; George Null, health/physical education/safety education program chair, Carlisle Area School District; Paul Wysocki, 10th grade associate principal, Carlisle High School; and Dr. Patti Buffington, principal, Carlisle High School.