Starting next year it will be mandatory for CPR to be taught in Wisconsin public schools to students in 7th-12th grade. Bay View Middle School is getting a head start thanks to a Partners in Education grant from Shopko Foundation and NBC26 for $1,000.
The money helped Bay View Middle School purchase 10 Little Annie Mannequins. These, along with 20 Little Annie Mannequins the school borrowed from CESA 7 are allowing students to train 1 to 1.
Bay View Middle School Health Education Teacher Kaitlyn Bloemer says only 2 out of 10 people will give CPR when an emergency arises. She says by teaching more people how to do hands-only CPR reaction rates will hopefully improve. “I think more adults are scared to do damage. Kids are eager to learn and are willing to practice,” said Bloemer.
Bloemer says at Howard-Suamico School District students will have the opportunity to learn CPR in health class three times before they graduate starting next year.
Seventh grader Cora Twarowski says each opportunity she gets to practice makes her more comfortable. “There could be cardiac arrests happening anywhere and with as many people learning how, there are more lives that can be saved,” said Twarowski.
