Ontario students empowered with lifesaving CPR skills

Lloyd S. King Elementary School students take part in a defibrillator training session put on by the ACT Foundation on Nov. 5 in Hagersville, Ont. (Photo by Hark Nijjar)

The Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation kicked off CPR month with a student and community training event in Hagersville, Ont. on Tuesday.

The initiative saw Grade 6, 7 and 8 students from Lloyd S. King Elementary School — located in Mississauga Credit First Nation — empowered with skills in CPR and AED defibrillator training.

ACT partnered with Hydro One, and national health partners, AstraZeneca Canada, Sanofi Canada, and Amgen Canada to bring this program to life.

“Whether at home, school or work, this curriculum will empower students with the skills and knowledge to save lives,” said Derek Chum, vice-president of Indigenous relations at Hydro One.

With eight in 10 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring at home or in public places, empowering youth with CPR training helps increase citizen CPR response rates over the long term, according to ACT, a national charity based in Ottawa.

“We are thrilled with the support of Hydro One,” says Sandra Clarke, ACT’s executive director. “With their support, we are able to bring this lifesaving program to Mississauga Credit First Nation, ensuring youth and community members are trained. They will bring their lifesaving skills to current and future families, building a stronger community and saving lives.”

To date, ACT has set up the CPR program in more than 1,800 schools across Canada.