PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philly students aren’t just learning reading and math at school. They’re also learning a potentially lifesaving skill.
In the gym at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush, junior Elizabeth Dombrovan practiced hands-only CPR on a mannequin. And yes, students are still using the Bee Gees’ famous hit to keep the beat during chest compressions.
“I do very much keep that rhythm in my head. It’s like, ‘da, da, da, da, stayin’ alive,’” she hummed.
In Pennsylvania, high schools are required to teach CPR, but the American Heart Association actually provides CPR mannequins and other resources to all grades.
“Grades 1-5, they provide education on elements of hands-only CPR and calling 911. And then grades 6-8 receive the entire process of hands-only CPR,” said Jeff Salvatore, with the American Heart Association.
“Some teachers will set up scenarios and walk their students through the scenarios. Some have the older students teach the younger students. So it looks a little different at each school.”
At some schools, for instance, juniors and seniors teach hands-only CPR to ninth- and 10th-graders. Dombrovan, who is training to become an EMT, is one of the student teachers.
“Helping to teach other people to, hopefully, if it ever comes to it, save a life. It’s really, really great,” she said.
Salvatore said research shows using only your hands to do CPR — without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation — can double or triple the survival rate of someone in cardiac arrest.
Pa. high schools are required to teach CPR. The American Heart Association provides resources to all grades
Pa. high schools are required to teach CPR. The American Heart Association provides resources to all grades
