Course Information:

The Heartsaver CPR in Schools program can significantly increase the number of lay bystanders who recognize the signs of an emergency, know when to phone 911, and know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The more bystanders who phone 911 when an emergency develops and know how to perform CPR, the more likely it is that victims of sudden cardiac arrest will receive immediate CPR, early defibrillation and advanced life support. These interventions have been proven to significantly reduce disability and death from heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest.

The Heartsaver CPR in Schools program can significantly increase the number of lay bystanders who recognize the signs of an emergency, know when to phone 911, and know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The more bystanders who phone 911 when an emergency develops and know how to perform CPR, the more likely it is that victims of sudden cardiac arrest will receive immediate CPR, early defibrillation and advanced life support. These interventions have been proven to significantly reduce disability and death from heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest.

The Heartsaver CPR in Schools course teaches both adult and pediatric lay rescuer CPR to middle or high school students. The course presents information about the American Heart Association adult and infant/child Chain of Survival, and signs of heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke, and choking in adults. The course also covers signs of choking in infants and children, prevention of sudden infant death syndrome, and prevention of the most common fatal injuries in infants and children.

The actual implementation structure will vary among communities, depending on the key players involved (e.g., school contacts, training center coordinators/instructors and community contacts) in the implementation process. Heartsaver CPR in Schools is a complex program to implement and requires the collaboration of individuals from various disciplines. This Heartsaver CPR in Schools: How-To Guide is designed to answer most questions about getting started, who the key players are, and the nature of their roles.

Course Length: 5 1/2 - 6 hours

Intended Audience: Middle and high school aged students

Student Materials:

• Heartsaver CPR in Schools Text (for all students), Required
• If Heartsaver CPR is taught, students should have access to Heartsaver CPR Text

Card Type: Course completion (modular)

Written/Skills Exam: Optional, but required for completion card