Should Kids Learn CPR?

CPR training is critical for children. In fact, if kids become CPR-certified, they could help decrease the loss of life in real-world emergencies.
The following is a real-world example that highlights the importance of teaching kids how to administer CPR in emergencies.

Niyele Jenkins, a 15-year-old resident of Loveland, Colorado, recently saved her father’s life thanks in large part to the CPR training she received at her high school.
According to the Reporter-Herald, Arabee Jenkins, Niyele’s father, went to an urgent care facility on Feb. 16. Arabee was diagnosed with strep throat and returned home with antibiotics the same day. However, on Feb. 19, Arabee felt weak at work, and his boss drove him to the emergency room. Arabee received a treatment of fluids and medication and was sent home. Then, on Feb. 20, Arabee woke up feeling ill and eventually became dizzy. He also struggled to breathe, and his body became stiff.
Lucky for Arabee, Niyele was home. And when Arabee called for help, Niyele was ready to respond. Upon hearing her father, Niyele responded and called her mother, grandmother and 911. Meanwhile, the 911 dispatcher guided Niyele as she administered CPR to her father, who had stopped breathing several times.
Niyele admitted she was scared to perform CPR techniques on her father, but she did not show it. Instead, she performed CPR chest compressions and rescue breaths on her father until emergency responders arrived at her home.
Arabee was later diagnosed with sepsis and returned home several days after the incident. He praised his daughter and believes he would not be alive if not for his daughter’s heroic efforts. He also credits Niyele’s high school for providing CPR training to its students and encourages other schools to do the same.

Unfortunately, many states do not require children of school age to learn CPR. Implementing CPR training for all ages can make a difference in many emergencies.
For instance, a cardiac arrest victim’s survival often depends on a bystander’s ability to perform CPR. Nearly 90% of individuals who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die, the American Heart Association (AHA) notes. Yet the AHA also points out that if an individual receives CPR in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, it could double or triple this person’s chance of survival.
Emergencies can happen at homes, schools, playgrounds and many other settings. These emergencies can occur without warning and many bystanders do not know how to respond to these emergency situations. By providing CPR training to children further allows these kids to become difference-makers in emergencies.
Anyone, regardless of age or professional experience can perform CPR to help save a life. By becoming CPR-certified, kids can become the difference between life and death for family members, friends and others. Parents and kids can receive their CPR certification at the same time as their parents when enrolling in training classes at Help-A-Heart CPR. To inquire about our CPR and First Aid classes please contact us today at 210-380-5344.