Teachers learn life saving CPR skills

Posted: May 25, 2010 5:52 PM
Updated: May 25, 2010 5:52 PM

SAHUARITA, AZ - Teachers in Arizona schools are not required to be CPR certified. However, a teacher in the Sahuarita School District knows the importance of these skills. It could be a matter of life and death.

"These teachers came to us looking for this stuff for the well being of their students," says Capt. Grant Cesarek with Rural/Metro Fire Dept.

Trina Zimmerman is a 3rd grade teacher at Anza Trail Elementary. The school has some summer programs lined up but the district nurse is not available.

"So we wanted to make sure that our teachers were ready in case anything happened," says Zimmerman. "And I wanted us to all feel comfortable with all the students without any additional help."

So Zimmerman reached out to Rural/Metro Fire Dept.

Capt. Cesarek said, "It's important that we get the teachers certified and that way, the safety of the kids, it's something we're not going to charge for."

That's right. The 4 to 5 hour classes cost the district nothing. The teachers are learning CPR, some basic first aid, and they get trained on A.E.D. (Automated External Defibrillator device).

Zimmerman says the CPR training will have a reach beyond the classroom. "I think it's important for all of us for the safety of our children, but just in our community as well, to be able to respond to anything that happens. And feel confident, not just as teachers but as community members to be able to help if need be."

And Rural Metro says they are willing to go district wide. "If we can get the rest of the teachers all qualified, and all certified, that would be the ultimate goal."

About 25 teachers will be CPR certified this week. They hope to train another 70 before school starts in the fall.