Eighth-grade students at William Paca Middle School have earned their CPR certification through a collaborative effort with Mastic Ambulance and Stony Brook University Hospital. The hands-on experience was part of Ms. Brianna Rodda’s First Aid and Safety class, designed to teach students essential lifesaving skills.
Ms. Rodda emphasized the importance of these skills, stating, "My main goal as a teacher is to teach my students lifelong skills that they can carry with them long after leaving my classroom, especially skills that may one day help them save a life."
The program covered first aid essentials such as responding to choking emergencies, using an AED, and performing CPR. By earning their certification, students are now better prepared to handle critical situations in various settings.
Ms. Rodda highlighted the significance of the partnership with local services: “Opportunities like this highlight the value of collaboration between schools and local services,” she said. “The professionals at Mastic Ambulance and Stony Brook University Hospital are strengthening community safety and fostering a sense of responsibility among students.”
This initiative not only equips students with vital skills but also contributes to creating a safer community. Special acknowledgment was given to Mastic Ambulance and Stony Brook University Hospital for facilitating this educational opportunity.
William Paca Middle School teacher Brianna Rodda worked alongside Tracy Ommundsen, RN, from the Mastic Ambulance Company during the program.