35 Oakley High School Seniors Gain Lifesaving Skills

Seniors at Oakley High School are just weeks away from graduation. In order to help them prepare for the future, 35 of those seniors recently took what may be one of the most important classes throughout their school journey. Through a Heartsaver CPR and First Aid course, students learned skills that extend far beyond the classroom: skills that could one day mean the difference between life and death.

The training, designed to equip participants with essential emergency response techniques, covered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and basic first aid practices for infants, children, and adults. For many of the students, this was their first exposure to hands-on medical training.

This 4-hour course, offered on three different days, was taught by school nurse, Karri Conway and members of Logan County EMS. During the course students practiced chest compressions on CPR mannequins, learned how to properly bandage wounds, and discussed real-life scenarios they might encounter at home, on the farm, or out in the community. Instructors emphasized not only technique, but also staying calm under pressure and prioritizing safety, for both the rescuer and the victim.

In rural communities like Oakley, where emergency services may take longer to arrive due to distance, bystander intervention is especially critical. Teaching students how to recognize emergencies and respond quickly helps bridge that gap, empowering them to act in those crucial first moments.

Beyond the technical skills, the training fosters a deeper sense of responsibility and community awareness. These seniors are preparing to graduate and move into the next phase of their lives, whether that means entering the workforce, attending college, or staying local. No matter where they go, they now carry with them the ability to make a meaningful difference in an emergency.

Programs like Heartsaver CPR and First Aid highlight the importance of practical, real-world education in high schools. As these Oakley High School seniors complete their certification, they leave not only with a credential, but with confidence, compassion, and the knowledge that they are capable of helping when it matters most.