In an emergency, CPR can save a life.
The Corpus Christi Independent School District is teaching kids how it works because, in fact, it’s a requirement for all students.
In Texas, if you want a high school diploma, you have to learn CPR. You never know when an emergency will occur, like last weekend, when a 5-year-old Corpus Christi boy drowned in an apartment pool.
“It’s just a tragedy,” said Captain Robert Ruiz of the Corpus Christi Fire Department. “You just have to ask yourself, do you always want to be a spectator or do you want to actually get involved?”
Last weekend’s tragedy highlights how important CPR training can be, and it’s actually the law. Texas students must have some form of CPR training before they graduate high school, and they must undergo that training at least once from seventh to 12th grade.
“For kids to be able to recognize an emergency and take action is so important,” said Colleen Eaves, a professional development coordinator and registered nurse at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
CPR training is especially important during the summer months when drowning becomes a higher risk.
The Corpus Christi Fire Department and Driscoll Children’s Hospital train several thousand students every year, and it’s already making a big difference.
“About a month ago, my nephew was choking on a little piece of candy,” said Ashley Abbott, a student who went through the training.
Abbott says her training meant she knew exactly what to do.
“It was a really scary experience,” she said. “And it really shows you how important it is to learn CPR at any age.”
It’s not just CCISD students getting the training, district personnel like coaches and teachers are also trained in this life-saving technique.
On Monday, CCISD honored the Corpus Christi Fire Department and Driscoll Children’s Hospital for their partnership in training in local schools.
