First Aid Certification Initiative for Middle School Students

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DHR Institute for Research and Development Program Manage Melissa Eddy shows Lasara ISD Middle School student how to use an AED. Courtesy Image
DHR Institute for Research and Development Program Manage Melissa Eddy shows Lasara ISD Middle School student how to use an AED. Courtesy Image

Mega Doctor News

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EDINBURG, Texas – The Region One Education Service Center (ESC) Pathways Aligned to Health Science (PATHS) Project, in partnership with the DHR Institute for Research and Development, kicked-off its first session of a series of American Red Cross certification trainings, Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the DHR Institute for Research and Development’s Edinburg location.

Lasara Middle School was the first of eight cohorts to receive hands-on instruction and earn three American Red Cross certificates: First Aid, STOP THE BLEED and Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Region One ESC PATHS Project Director Dr. Eliza Alvarado stressed the importance of creating opportunities for small, rural school systems.

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“The PATHS Project is filling a need in the workforce, and really lining up with the needs of the community,” said Dr. Alvarado. “We are happy to have smaller school districts in our program because they don’t often get to participate in activities like the American Red Cross certification instruction and training.”

The knowledge and practice gained by students enables them to respond with confidence, skill and awareness in medical emergencies.

Lasara ISD Middle School students apply chest compressions during their AED skills test.

“We are so excited about the students in our program becoming ambassadors in their community and at their schools,” said DHR Institute for Research and Development Program Manager Melissa Eddy. “We are thrilled to generate excitement about learning and health care careers.”

After completing all training modules and skill exams, Lasara Middle School students were granted the three American Red Cross certificates. 

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“I now feel prepared to appropriately respond to emergency situations,” said Lasara ISD 8th grade student Sydney McInnis. “It is really important to know CPR, AED and first aid because if you are in an emergency situation, you will know what to do until first responders arrive.”

 DHR staff member instructs Lasara ISD Middle School student how to properly put on sterile hand gloves. Courtesy Image

In the coming months, Region One ESC and the DHR Institute for Research and Development will certify middle school students in five more school systems: Lyford CISD, La Joya ISD, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Valley View ISD and Hidalgo ISD.

The Region One PATHS Project provides academic and career-focused post-secondary advising through the alignment of health care jobs, curriculum support and resources. Visit www.pathscentral.com

to learn more about the Region One ESC PATHS Project.

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