CVU students train in CPR and first aid after coach's cardiac arrest

Champlain Valley Union High School students spent two days practicing CPR, AED use, and first aid. The Hinesburg Fire Department led the training sessions for all ninth-grade students.

The curriculum moved quickly after a medical emergency occurred at the school less than two months ago. The girls soccer coach suffered a cardiac arrest during that incident. Hinesburg Fire Chief Prescott Nadeau stated that the players' rapid response kept the coach alive.

"An incident occurred in which a cardiac arrest happened at CVU high school and that really ramped things up for everybody," Nadeau said. The school's health and safety committee had already discussed offering such classes. Officials accelerated the timeline immediately after the scare.

"Working with CVU staff they said let's make this happen and let's make it happen now," Nadeau added.

Students participated in hands-on drills to build confidence. Ninth-grader Charleigh McBride said she always wanted to learn these skills but never expected the chance in school. "I think it's really important, it's stuff I always wanted to learn and I never thought I would have an opportunity in school," McBride said.

Finn Wolf, also a ninth-grader, noted the practical value of the training. "It's just helpful because you never know what situation you're going to be in. If stuff like that happens, you want to make sure you're there to help," Wolf said. The fire department plans to offer similar courses through their department in the future.