MAHS Students are ‘Staying Alive, Staying Alive’

Meyersdale Area High School (MAHS)is committed to providing each student with the skills and education they need for a successful life. Those skills were expanded on October 28 and 29, when ninth grade students had an opportunity to learn how to properly administer CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Under the careful watch of Tonya Shuck, one of the district’s substitute registered nurses, students learned how to perform CPR. This training was offered as part of the Health class taken by all freshmen.

As per American Heart Association guidelines, Shuck taught “Hands Only CPR” skills. She will be offering this training yearly as part of freshmen’s health curriculum and also has plans to reach all high school students prior to graduation.

School Nurse Amy Rough, MSN RN CSN, said the importance of these skills cannot be emphasized enough, “When a person’s heart stops, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby.”

According to the American Heart Association, about 90% of people that suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

“CPR instruction has been proven to save lives. Heart disease, drug overdose, and accidents can cause the heart to stop beating. Giving students the knowledge and ability to react in these types of situations could potentially save a life,” Rough added. “Instruction is often given over the phone by 911 but having hands on training and the technique critiqued before an emergency has proven to be life saving.”