Waco ISD Staff Enhance Emergency Skills

WACO, Texas ( FOX 44 ) – Staff at Lake Air Montessori School participated in a crucial training session on Friday, honing their skills in CPR and AED usage on mannequins to prepare for potential cardiac emergencies.

School nurse Misty Burks expressed pride in her team’s performance during the training but noted the emotional weight of real-life situations.

“If it were a real-life situation, we’re connected to those students because we have relationships with them. It would be more meaningful and more emotional,” Burks said.

Burks emphasized the importance of teamwork during an emergency. “In real instances, everyone has a role,” she explained. “While some are performing CPR, others are calling parents and gathering necessary information for emergency services.” Front office staff would notify parents and prepare student information for EMS, while teachers manage the scene and control the crowd.

P.E. Coach Cassia Landon highlighted the importance of these skills, particularly during recess and physical education activities.

“Those are times when kids may need help more than in a classroom setting, but you never know when it might happen,” Landon said.

As the training progressed, staff were reminded of AED locations across the campus, crucial for swift response in emergencies. Burkins noted that having an AED applied within three minutes of a cardiac arrest is vital for survival.

“It benefits students in the way that the staff is prepared because the last thing we want is for something to happen on our watch,” Burks said. “I’m all about creating a healthy school environment. This training helps ensure that our team members are prepared to save a life, whether it’s an adult or a student.”

Although the staff is CPR-certified, Friday’s drill was the first of its kind at Lake Air Montessori, with plans for more training sessions in the future to ensure ongoing preparedness.

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