This class might just save someone’s life.
As one of the wellness classes LFHS provides, First Aid and CPR is the most important class you could take.
From CPR to back blows, this class will teach you everything you need to know to save someone’s life. Not only is this knowledge crucial, but you also become certified in basic first aid for two years. The class covers everything from basic CPR to choking precautions and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Mr. Mizwicki and I went through the process of becoming BLS (Basic Life Support) instructors certified through the American Heart Association. This means we can certify students in CPR/AED use,” Gym teacher Thomas Soprych said. “Now I’m able to certify around 30 students each semester, along with coaches and other faculty and staff members throughout the building.”
Basic first aid is often a skill people believe they can manage without proper training. However, not knowing the correct way to perform CPR can potentially damage or make the emergency worse than it was before. It’s important to take the time to learn the proper techniques that can help save someone in an emergency.
LFHS alum Conner Harling, took his skills he learned in Mr. Soprych’s class to save a woman choking while playing golf. He was able to dislodge food in her throat so she was able to breathe property.
“I think that people underestimate how important some of these first aid skills are until they find themselves in a situation where they actually have to use them,” Harling said.
Harling is not the only person that has benefited from this class. Many students who have taken his class have benefited from the skills and even feel confident enough to help someone in danger.
I babysit very frequently, and I always have a constant fear of an emergency situation happening where I don’t know how to respond. However, I now feel confident that I can help save anyone who’s in danger. This course has not only taught me CPR, but I have learned so many other ways to help someone in need. Everything from choking prevention and the use of AID to proper first aid care and much more is covered in this class.
First aid skills are important enough, but the CPR class also offers another benefit of being a “dual enrollment” course.
Through College of Lake County (CLC), students at LFHS are able to receive two hours of college credit while taking this course. This opportunity is free of charge, without ever having to be in college. This provides a head-start with having credit hours before even attending college.
“I’m most pleased about the fact that my students earn two college credits through College of Lake County completely free of charge,” Soprych said. “Students can send their CLC transcript to most four-year colleges and universities, saving them college tuition money.”
Learning CPR is an incredible skill to have. If you ever find someone in an emergency, it’s important that you know how to help them. You could be the difference in someone’s life.
