FDNY- Teaching Compressions-only CPR to High School Students

Published: December 9, 2014 FDNY, Department of Education, NYC Service and FDNY Foundation Launch Initiative to Teach High School Students Compressions-Only CPR FDNY High School students take a compressions-only CPR class. The FDNY launched a joint CPR training initiative with the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and NYC Service at the FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety on Dec. 9, aiming to teach 5,000 New York City high school students compressions-only CPR. This new life-saving educational program, called “Be 911: Teens Take Heart,” is the first of its kind in New York City. It is taught by the FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit and funded by more than $100,000 in grants from NYC Service and FDNY Foundation. “We know this will impact students and make a difference to countless New Yorkers,” First Deputy Commissioner Robert Turner said. Paula Gavin, Chief Service Officer for NYC Service, and John Shea, Chief Executive, NYC DOE Division of School Facilities, echoed his sentiments at the ceremony. Several students took a compressions-only CPR lesson during the ceremony to launch the campaign. “We are a life-saving organization, and we cannot do it without your help,” Chief of Department James Leonard said. He also urged students to take these skills and teach their friends and family. Chief of EMS Abdo Nahmod added, “With these skills, you will help give someone a second chance in life.” The FDNY responded to nearly 22,000 cardiac incidents in 2013, and say early bystander CPR helps save lives of individuals who go into cardiac arrest. Learn more about or register for the Teens Take Heart program here:http://www.fdnysmart.org/takeheart Or schedule a free CPR class here: http://on.nyc.gov/1zK5W0u