THREE Limerick schools were recognised with a prestigious Irish Heart Foundation award for training students in the lifesaving skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Hazelwood College in Dromcollogher, Desmond College in Newcastle West, and Limerick ETSS in Castletroy received CPR 4 Schools awards, recognising  schools, teachers, and students for remarkable efforts in CPR promotion and training.
They were among 33 schools nationally presented with awards as part of the national heart and stroke charity’s CPR 4 Schools programme.
The programme trains students to perform CPR and respond in a cardiac emergency, use an AED (defibrillator), and respond when someone is choking.
A person’s chance of survival is doubled when CPR is started immediately.
“As part of the wellbeing module, transition year students at Hazelwood College took part in the CPR 4 schools programme gaining vital lifesaving skills and confidence in emergency response,” said Michelle Herbert, Hazelwood College teacher.
Ms Herbert said that “from the dedicated group, a team of passionate students – this year’s Heart Heroes – was selected to bring the message beyond the classroom”.
“Their enthusiasm and leadership shone through as they trained members of the wider school community including parents at our open evening.
“The team also reached out to local primary schools, delivering interactive and informative sessions on the importance of learning CPR and understanding the significance of knowing one’s Eircode in case of an emergency.”
Schools who haven’t yet had the programme are encouraged to visit irishheart.ie/cpr4schools to learn how easy it is to implement.
