The sounds of the 1970s band Bee Gees hit “Staying Alive”, and “Baby Shark” were playing in the minds of 5th graders at both Wantagh Elementary and Forest Lake during a CPR and AED workshop presented by the Wantagh Fire Department.  Students gathered to learn the important techniques about administering CPR and using an AED device in case of an emergency.

As the students listened closely on how to decide whether or not someone is choking and when it’s time to dial 911, they were eager to begin practicing their newly learned skills on the CPR doll with their group partners. Learning that the purpose of CPR is to keep blood flowing to the brain, students played out emergency situations one by one giving them a feel for a real-life situation.

Next, a lesson on the location of the school’s AED machine and its usage was discussed. The instructor encouraged each student to be on the lookout for the school’s machine as well as the supermarket, mall, or any public facility.
Last, a brief instruction on what to do when someone is choking allowed students to learn when and how to administer the Heimlich Maneuver, when to begin CPR if the person passes out, and how to use a chair to dislodge the choking hazard if they begin choking while they are alone.