American Red Cross Gives CPR Training to Teachers and Coaches

September 3, 2024 | Kalen Haynes
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The Rookie League Foundation of Oklahoma partnered with the American Red Cross to offer a masterclass that provides CPR training and certification to coaches across the state, free of charge. We welcomed coaches from Tulsa Public Schools, OKCPS, Millwood Public Schools, Santa Fe South Schools, and Crooked Oak.

Two Veteran American Red Cross Trainers trained 24 coaches and teachers on First Aid, CPR, and AED equipment in preparation for their fall seasons and school years. CPR certification is invaluable for coaches both on and off the field. Data from Stanford Medicine shows, approximately 7,000 children experience cardiac arrest each year, underscoring the critical importance of this training.

With over 25 years experience as an American Red Cross CPR Trainer and a former Firefighter, Brauna Smith, says that this life-saving training aims to ensure that coaches are ready to act in case of an emergency, whether in the classroom or during a game. 

“Seconds count in the world of cardiology,” Smith said “Whether it’s a cardiac arrest or a life-threatening bleed. That time is crucial, and we must act quickly,” Smith said.

The skills to perform CPR can make the difference between life and death while waiting for EMTs to arrive. The importance of swift action cannot be overstated according to Crooked Oak school teacher Ricky Myers. It gives children the best chance of survival when the unthinkable happens.

“We have kids go into cardiac arrest with football,” Myers said. “We had to use CPR or AED to get that under control and to wait until an EMT came,” Myers said.

Kalen Haynes, Program Coordinator for the Rookie League Foundation of Oklahoma, believes it is important to provide resources and events like this for coaches and teachers, so they can have the training to act quickly if and when an event arises.

All of the attendees received the 2-hour training along with lunch. Rookie league offers programs like these to coaches several times per year. Check out the rookie league website for more information.