CARLISLE, Pa. — The Peyton Walker Foundation will implement a new curriculum for students that gives them the necessary knowledge and resources to save a life using an AED or CPR.
Due to the revision of Act 7 Public School Code, all students must know how to use an AED and administer CPR before they graduate. The new curriculum puts students at Carlisle High School on track to achieving that goal before they move on to college.
“We have taken the lead to create a comprehensive curriculum and training program that achieves the goal of Act 7,” said Julie Walker, foundation director and Peyton’s mom.
Peyton Walker was a 19-year-old athlete and adventurer who passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest. According to the foundation, 4000,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest, and it is the leading cause of death in athletes.
Administering CPR and getting an AED on someone who is in cardiac arrest within the first four minutes can often increase the survival rate to as high as 90%, according to the Peyton Walker Foundation. Students will watch a presentation and do training sessions to equip them with the necessary resources to step in and save a life when time calls for it.
“So everybody gets to practice hands-on CPR, and we believe that is critical to helping students or anyone feel comfortable and confident if someone collapses from sudden cardiac arrest,” said Ann Meyers, director of development of the Peyton Walker Foundation.
The Foundation is also donating AEDs to Carlisle High School so they can install a SaveStation. This easily accessible kit will be near the athletic grounds on campus so students, faculty and staff can get to it in a time of need.
This is the second year the Peyton Walker Foundation is working with Carlisle High School. Last year, organizers worked with high school seniors; this year, they’re working with juniors. The foundation's goal is to ensure all Central Pennsylvania schools are armed with tools, knowledge and resources to save a life.