By Ace Dizon

Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) students practiced cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a seminar spearheaded by Sandigan Kanlaon on February 19, Monday, on the second floor of the Formation Learning Center.

Kanlaon, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, Defense Technologies Inc, and FMAG Rescue Phil Inc, held an orientation entitled, “CPR Sesh: Chika-Pulso-Readiness,” where they discussed about matters such as Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and CPR techniques to empower members of the Ateneo Community to be disaster-resilient in their respective contexts.

The seminar was in accordance with Republic Act 10871, which requires schools to implement programs that will equip students with basic life support training.

It was prefaced with a talk from a representative of the Safety Services of the Philippine Red Cross, focusing on the legalities of being a first responder as well as the primary and secondary assessments to be done on the injured.

The speaker emphasized that addressing legal concerns, such as receiving the consent of the injured, is a priority before administering first aid due to the risk of being sued. 

It was highlighted that the objective of first aid is to preserve life and prevent further damage, and that medical help must be sought immediately through contacting local emergency numbers.

Immersive Training

Afterwards, participants were divided into three batches as they visited different stations and further listened to discussions on AED and CPR. 

The ASHS students, Kanlaon members, teachers, and custodians in the event were then invited to perform proper CPR on adult torso and infant CPR mannequins with real-time feedback being given to them.

Ryley Villanueva from 11-Moscoso was grateful for the event as it gave him the confidence to perform CPR. 

“I think [CPR knowledge] is necessary in case there is an emergency where someone needs help…where we want to help but we don’t know how,” Villanueva said. 

Sophia Quizon, Overall Co-Head of Kanlaon, viewed the seminar as a success, considering that the participants were interested and enjoyed the prepared activities. 

Quizon said that CPR readiness is important because cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. 

“It’s important not only to know the basics of CPR, but more of having that feeling of empowerment and knowing that you’re ready to take action and do something, and that can really save a life,” she explained.

Photo from Sophia Quizon