Partnering to save lives by teaching students CPR

AdventHealth is unveiling a joint program with Seminole Co. Public Schools to teach hands-only CPR to 9th and 11th graders. Quick intervention is key during a cardiac event and this instruction gives students the knowledge and skill to save lives when seconds truly count.

“This partnership is going to give students the education, the knowledge and the skill to actually start CPR. They’re going to feel empowered to actually say ‘I know what to do in this event’ when (perhaps) no one else around them does," said Nicole Crocker, chief nursing officer of AdventHealth Altamonte Springs.

AdventHealth clinical team members will teach the students hands-only CPR using advanced simulators. Instruction will rotate through nine different SCPS high schools and 10 campuses.

“If they need CPR then I could be confident in my ability to at least keep them healthy until help arrives,” Alexi Castro, an 11th grader at Lyman H.S., told WFTV.

AdventHealth’s Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute will also donate automated external defibrillators (AED) to the school district as part of the partnership. An AED is a portable device used to help save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. It's designed to be easy to use by anyone, even without medical training.

“AdventHealth is here to continue to extend the healing ministry of Christ. (Through this partnership) we're doing that outside of the four walls of our hospital,” said Jeff Villanueva, CEO of AdventHealth Altamonte Springs.

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