Representatives from AT&T and the American Heart Association (AHA) visited Maus Middle School on October 26 to deliver a CPR training kit and show students how they can help in the event of an emergency.
Students practiced what they’ve been learning about CPR and got feedback and tips from actual first responders with the Frisco Fire Department.
“You guys getting there first will make an impact and possibly save a life,” Frisco firefighter/paramedic Jeff Carse told the students.
Maus and Reedy High School both received kits thanks to a $30,000 contribution from AT&T to help fund AHA’s CPR in Schools program across North Texas.
The AHA CPR in Schools Training Kit teaches students the core skills of CPR as well as AED skills and choking relief techniques. In just 30 minutes, students can learn the skills and techniques needed to save a life.
“We’re proud to continue our support of the American Heart Association,” said Holly Reed, Regional Vice President, AT&T External Affairs. “This organization does incredible work to advance heart health across the country and their CPR in Schools program is an invaluable tool in helping prepare students to save a life by performing CPR.”
Each AHA CPR in Schools Training Kit includes: 10 Mini Anne® Plus inflatable manikins; 10 kneel mats with carry bags; 10 practice-while-watching training DVDs; a hand pump for manikin inflation; 2 mesh collection and storage bags; a classroom carry bag; 50 replacement airways; 50 manikin wipes; 10 replacement masks; and a facilitator guide.
“We would like to thank AT&T for their generous contribution in helping fund our CPR in Schools program across North Texas,” said Scott Farace, the Deputy Executive Director of the Dallas Division of the American Heart Association. “CPR is a critical lifesaving technique that everyone should know. Eighty percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in private or residential settings. Statistically speaking, if 
you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a child, a spouse, a parent or a friend. If performed quickly, a victim’s chances of survival can double.”
Frisco ISD has been teaching hands-only CPR to sixth grade students in P.E. classes since 2012, with manikins shared across the District.
The District has also added CPR training in high school health classes due to a new state law requiring it in grades 7-12.
“Each of us should know how to do CPR. Thanks to AT&T and the American Heart Association, as well as our state legislature for the passage of House Bill 897, our North Texas students in grades seven through twelve will now be empowered to learn core CPR skills, which, if applied properly, can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival,” said Dr. Jeremy Lyon, Frisco ISD Superintendent.
The donated kits will be used by students at Maus and Reedy. Eventually, FISD hopes to provide a kit at each secondary campus.