Free Life-Saving Project Comes to Humboldt Elementary
 
|
| Lise Harwin |
| |
|
February 27, 2008
|
If a school has an AED, but no one is trained in how to use it, can it save a life?
This isn't a Zen koan, it's a real-life example from North Portland's Humboldt Elementary School (4915 N. Gantenbein), where – in a school with nearly 250 children and dozens of adults – only two or three teachers know how to use this vital technology. What's more, out of 12 classrooms, not one is equipped with a 72-hour disaster kit in case of emergency.
This month, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross is spending several days at Humboldt conducting interactive presentations to teach kids, teachers and parents all about preparedness and safety. Students in kindergarten through third grade will see a puppet show featuring Ready Rabbit, Disaster Dog and Cool Cat, while older students will receive a "Together We Prepare Oregon" presentation which includes videos, maps and take-home literature.
Finally, the entire school will learn what supplies should be kept in an emergency kit and have the opportunity to build a classroom kit containing a dust mask, thermal blanket, poncho, light sticks, energy bars and water pouches. Each classroom also will receive a first aid kit, whistle, biohazard bag and first aid guide.
With the economic challenges facing both the school and its students – 95.9 percent of whom are on a free or reduced lunch program – there is simply no way to afford traditional Red Cross training and materials. Funded by a grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation, this project will provide everything free of charge…with the goal of saving lives in the process.
List of Humboldt activities:
Saturday, February 23
Training for 10+ teachers in CPR and first aid
Tuesday, February 26
ALERT puppet shows (pre-k through 3rd grade)
Wednesday, February 27
ALERT puppet shows
Together We Prepare Oregon presentation (4-7th graders)
***Thursday, February 28***
10 a.m.-noon
Hands-on disaster kit assembly – all students to participate MEDIA WELCOME
TBD
Together We Prepare Oregon presentation for Humboldt parents and giveaway of five pre-made disaster kits
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Local Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters an average of every 40 hours. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org. |
|
|
.gif)
