VA provides student volunteers classes in life-saving skills

Knowing life-saving techniques is an important skill, something 23 teenagers recently discovered at the Columbia VA.

“You! Dial 9-1-1 and get an AED and first aid kit!”

Those are the words shouted out during a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certification training.

The training is part of Columbia VA’s Summer Student Program. The program is designed to give young people 13-17 an opportunity to learn about different health care career opportunities. They gain important skills they can use while giving back in their local communities.

Hands-on training easier to understand

“This training was interactive and informative,” said Noah Rawls, who participated in the training. “Learning in a hands-on environment makes it easier to understand. “I have younger brothers at home. This training is beneficial because if something were to ever happen to one of them, I will be prepared.”

Training was provided by Roger Casteal, clinical education faculty instructor and patient care technician at Delta Health Care Solutions. Delta has a community partnership with Columbia VA.

Look forward to training every summer

“We have provided training to the Summer Student program for years,” said Casteal. “We love this and look forward to it every summer. And we hope other people see this pilot program and get involved in their communities.”

The training included life-saving instructions on how to perform CPR and properly use an AED on adults, children and infants.