The First Aid classes at Stroudsburg High School have been first rate for many years.  Now, they are taking their learning to another level.  Students completing these classes are getting CPR certified.

Stroudsburg High School offers two First Aid Classes: First Aid/Athletic Training I and First Aid/Athletic Training II.

“This course has been around since I was in high school here, and I graduated in 2008,” said physical education teacher Ms. Sarah Davis. “I really enjoy teaching this class because it gives students the opportunity to learn skills to help others.”

This course was created to teach students how to save the lives of others in an emergency.

The students who take First Aid classes learn how to perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Students perform CPR and AED on dummies to gain hands-on experiences.  

These techniques are used when an individual is choking or facing sudden cardiac arrest. 

Not only do students gain practical hands-on skills to save the lives of others, but they learn how to notice signs of choking, cardiac arrest, strokes, allergic reactions, and so much more.

“In order to learn these skills, students work in small groups to practice on one another, as well as with a manikin,” said Davis. 

“I think it is a great class, it’s super fun, and everything is hands on. It is a lot easier to learn the content when you are actually applying it with hands-on activities. I wanted to go to college for athletic training, so this class is a great introduction,” said junior Regan Englehart.

The First Aid classes also provide a strong foundation of the human body, so that students are prepared to help individuals in emergencies. In addition, students also learn about how individuals can prevent common injuries, especially in sports.

“We get to watch videos about how people get injured, and then learn about how not to get injured while playing the actual sport,” said sophomore Carter Rimland.

Towards the end of the semester, students demonstrate their knowledge through a rigorous exam. “The skills and the knowledge we learn in this class will prepare me for any health and sciences field I plan to pursue in the future ” said junior Cydney Bumford. 

Fortunately, students have not had to apply their learning in real-life situations. In case of emergencies, though, they will know what to do when people actually need help.