Sally Sheppard’s project back at Ashley Hall High School was inspired by a traumatic event that happened to her friend in the summer of 2009. CPR kept him alive while he was on the verge of death.
The goal of the program was to ensure that his senior class graduated with CPR certification.
Bailey Barnes, Coleman Maness, and their families had taken a holiday to St. Martin. After 15 minutes of riding on the water on rented jet skis, Bailey realized he couldn't see Coleman. He was found face-down in the water after a brief search of around ten minutes.
Bailey went in, but he had no idea what he was doing and failed to save Coleman. He turned Coleman over and noticed that he was foaming at the lips and had a blue face.
He was aware that he needed to perform CPR but was unsure of how. He repeatedly attempted to breathe through Coleman's mouth but was unsuccessful.
Bailey was trying to provide amateur rescue breaths while treading water. He then attempted chest compressions. It took Coleman several excruciating minutes before she could finally start to breathe.
Coleman was really fortunate. Bailey responded quickly and remained composed. Coleman was aware that he would not have known what to do if he had been in Bailey's shoes at the time.
How many senior high school students have attended a CPR training and are familiar with performing CPR? The unfortunate fact is that most kids do not know CPR, with the exception of those who are obliged to in order to work as camp counselors or lifeguards.
People who train as lifeguards are required to attend CPR and first-aid training. Others would actually go and pursue a BLS certification. Those who work in the medical field are required to obtain BLS certification and ACLS certification.
As a result, Sheppard decided to teach CPR as her senior project. Before we all graduated, her objective was to certify her senior class. She collaborated with Coleman and Bailey, the American Red Cross, and the American Heart Association to raise awareness of the value of CPR training, and they were incredibly successful.
When she presented her concept to her head of school, Sally suggested that Ashley Hall's graduation requirements include CPR certification.
Due to her project, current seniors are now instructing the remainder of their class. She spoke with the administrative team and the Board to get this plan included in the curriculum.
Sally was confident that her friends and she could all save a life if necessary when they left for college. In fact, since then, two of her classmates have used CPR to save the life of a different friend.
Until EMS arrived, her pals were able to maintain their composure, evaluate the situation, and provide CPR.
This is exactly the picture Sally had in mind, which is why she was so pleased with those classmates. Everyone may learn how to control a crisis and move forward with confidence to assist in every way possible through CPR training.
Sally has been supporting You're the Cure's initiatives to make CPR certification a federally mandated requirement for high school graduation, and she has faith that this legislation will eventually become law in all 50 states.
Sally hopes that everyone will recognize the importance of our effort and the need to learn CPR techniques.
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