In their final days at Bell Elementary, 5th graders are learning life-saving skills they can carry well beyond school.
The students are spending Tuesday and Wednesday learning CPR and first aid skills that can prepare them to act in case of emergency.
“These skills are necessary throughout life. You never know when you’ll come in contact with someone who needs this support due to heart attack, sickness, or injury,” said David Abell, owner of Abell Safety Training.
Fifth-grade teacher Meghan Leonard approached physical education teacher Mike Karlson about bringing the first aid training to her students. He quickly thought of the perfect role model, Bell 5th grader Charlotte Bidwell. She already received her first aid/CPR certification through Five Mile Point firehouse, where her father is a first responder.
“It’s feels good (to have this training). It’s not stressful if you already know what you’re doing,” said Bidwell. “We’re going into the middle school. We might have to watch our siblings and know what to do if they’re choking.”
“Being a rural district, it’s important for our students to have basic skills and enough information to act before emergency services can come out. Time is critical,” said Mr. Karlson.
The students are learning about CPR, bleeding control, and recognition of other medical issues such as heart attacks or diabetic issues.
“I would love for it to be an annual thing. It’s good knowing we’re sending them off to 6th grade with that basic first aid/CPR knowledge, that they have some skills to fall back on,” said Mrs. Leonard.