JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 50,000 Duval County secondary students practiced skills this week that could help them respond when someone’s heart suddenly stops.
The hands-on training was part of Duval County Public Schools’ World Heart Day activities and included hands-only CPR, first aid and instruction on using an automated external defibrillator, or AED.
The training was conducted through the district’s Pulse of the District initiative and its partnership with the American Heart Association. CPR and AED instruction is required for Florida secondary students.
At Mandarin High School, students didn’t just watch a demonstration.
Students in the school’s Medical Academy helped teach their classmates hands-only CPR during health and physical education classes. Medical Academy instructor Renate Dewberry, who has experience as an emergency medical technician, demonstrated how to use an AED and shared lessons from her work in emergency medicine.
“You can never be too prepared for an emergency,” Principal Sara Bravo said. “Anywhere you go, whether it’s in a school, in a public setting, even at home, someone could have a cardiac emergency.”
Bravo said having students who know how to respond means they could potentially help save someone’s life at school or elsewhere.
World Heart Day activities stretched beyond CPR training.
At Atlantic Coast High School, a student-organized blood drive drew 76 registered donors. Participation was high enough that organizers expanded the event to three donation buses and extended its hours.
According to the district, the student behind the drive developed the idea, presented it to school leaders and helped coordinate the event with Principal Marleny Chirino and other school staff.
At John E. Ford, the focus became much more personal.
Students and staff held the school’s first “Put the Beat in Your Feet” Heart Walk, filling hallways with handmade signs, red clothing and heart-themed displays honoring people in their school community who have faced serious heart conditions.
Among them was third grader Kori Phillips, who has undergone three open-heart surgeries.
“It’s not easy,” Kori said. “When you go into the surgery room, you don’t want to be away from your friends and family.”
Sixth grader Parker Angiuli, who underwent heart surgery as an infant, was also recognized.
The walk also honored Principal Tina Bennett, who underwent open-heart surgery earlier this year after a coronary calcium screening led doctors to discover a blockage.
“I would have never thought I was a candidate for heart surgery,” Bennett said. “I want my students, families, and staff to understand how important it is to take care of yourself.”
Her experience has also brought added attention to emergency preparedness at the school.
“Knowing CPR and knowing where the AED is, we’ve made that a big focus this year,” Bennett said. “You never know when a cardiac emergency is going to happen.”