![CMS HeartSafe]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1699563789/rsdedu/uzbsinyxcm0d3aohjogu/editedIMG_1905WEB.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1699563789/rsdedu/uzbsinyxcm0d3aohjogu/editedIMG_1905WEB.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1699563789/rsdedu/uzbsinyxcm0d3aohjogu/editedIMG_1905WEB.jpg","width":770}])
Richland School District is proud to announce that Carmichael Middle School is now a Richland Heart Safe Campus. This significant milestone demonstrates our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the broader community.
Josh Smith, Fire Captain for Richland Fire and Emergency Services, and his Heart Safe team trained Carmichael staff in hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use in late August. After the training, a smaller team comprised of school nurses, teachers and administrators created an Emergency Response Plan specific to the needs at Carmichael. On Oct. 25, the school held an emergency medical drill to complete their Heart Safe certification.
School staff are now fully trained to recognize and respond to any cardiac arrest emergency that happens at Carmichael Middle School, increasing the chances of survival and minimizing potential long-term health impacts. This not only creates a safer atmosphere within the school but empowers staff with life-saving skills they can use while out in the community.
"The safety and well-being of our students and staff are one of the district’s top priorities,” says Assistant Director of Human Resources Kellie Lacey. “Achieving Heart Safe certification is a significant step forward in enhancing our school's readiness to respond to medical emergencies."
AEDs have been strategically placed throughout the Carmichael Middle School for staff to use in an emergency. These life-saving devices can deliver a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythms in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
Carmichael’s certification is part of Richland School District’s new Heart Safe initiative led by district lead nurses Rebecca Baldwin and Brenda Atencio and Assistant Director of Human Resources Kellie Lacey. Three schools and/or district buildings will become Heart Safe campuses every year, with a rolling recertification plan after that. Buildings will follow the model set by Carmichael to receive training, create an emergency response plan and successfully complete a medical emergency drill.
To learn more about Heart Safe Richland, please visit www.heartsaferichland.com.