by Hanna Singh
Eighth grade students gained lifesaving skills in hands-on first aid training course provided at A.E. Phillips Lab School.
Instructed by Louisiana Tech Assistant Director of Recreation, Payton Carnahan, the course took place over three class sessions where students earned their CPR and AED certifications.
The first aid training offered students the opportunity to gain valuable skills on how to respond in an emergency situation, while allowing them to earn 2 certifications in their health class. The courses included training on how to perform CPR and how to use an AED device.
The school began providing a health class to give students the opportunity to earn a high school credit. A course in which they have featured several guest speakers on health-related subjects. One of the class units focuses on human body systems, which gave faculty the idea to have the students trained in first aid certifications.
A.E. Phillips physical education teacher, Casey Blalock, explained the importance of this opportunity and what it could offer for the students.
“We asked Payton Carnahan, one of our school parents, who is certified in training for CPR and AED, to come and train our students,” Blalock said. “All of our 8th graders our now certified through the American Red Cross course. This is a life skill that we feel would be beneficial if they are ever in a situation in which these skills would be needed.”
Students worked with adult and baby sized CPR manakins to learn how to perform the lifesaving method on both body types. They were also given instructions on how to utilize a defibrillator to restore normal heart rhythm in a person. A.E. Phillips physical education teacher, Suzanne Tyler, highlighted the specific parts of the training that students underwent.
“They gained practical skills like how to perform chest compressions, how to use an AED device and how to react calmly and effectively in critical situations,” Tyler said. “This training not only boosts their confidence but also empowers them to potentially save lives both at school and in their communities.”
Classes like these give students knowledge, not only to prepare them to enter high school, but also provide them with valuable skills that can be used in the real world. A.E. Phillips strives to give students opportunities to grow in their abilities, preparing them for real-life situations. The students responded well to the course, with every student in the class receiving both of their certifications.
Carnahan described the process of working with the students and how they responded to her teaching.
“I have a passion for teaching CPR. It truly saves lives, and it was and honor to work with the 8th graders at AEP,” Carnahan said. “They were attentive, asked great questions and worked hard to learn the skills. I have been an instructor with American Red Cross for 12 years, and sharing this knowledge with others is so rewarding.”
With their new skills, A.E. Phillips 8th graders can move forward confidently, knowing that in the event of an emergency, they are well prepared to assess the situation. These skills and certifications could potentially allow these students to one day save a life.
