Po-Hi students to receive CPR training

Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, all students in public schools shall receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at least once during the ninth grade until graduation, as required by the Dustin Rhodes and Lindsey Steed CPR Training Act, according to Po-Hi Principal Thad Dilbeck.

As a means of meeting this graduation requirement, Ponca City High School has partnered with AllianceHealth Ponca City to providing CPR mannequins and instructional support. The support provided by AllianceHealth Ponca City amounts to approximately $5,000.

The CPR instruction is based on a nationally recognized instructional program. School districts may use emergency medical technicians, paramedics, police officers, firefighters, teachers, other school employees or similarly qualified individuals or organizations that provide this instruction.

Instruction will not only cover the process of CPR, but also will provide education on the automated external defibrillator (AED), along with hands-on practice.

The high school will initiate this awareness program Feb. 1-5 to all seniors and juniors for the current school term. This requirement for graduation can be achieved by completing this training or a completing an opt-out form.

A parent may choose to complete the opt-out form for their student at the main office of the high school at 927 North Fifth Street or by contacting the high school at 580-767-9500. Opting out of the program needs to be completed by Jan. 27.