From Student Art to Real-Life Saves: Get CPR/AED Certified

Last month, MCPS students were recognized during a special reception honoring the “Tree of Life: Every Beat Matters” AED Art Contest & Scholarship. Hosted by Rescue One, MCPS’ Automated External Defibrillators (AED) contractor, the event celebrated high school students who earned scholarship grants for their artwork promoting heart health awareness.

Scholarship Recipients:

1st Place – Aubryn Darrington, Sophomore, Sherwood High School

2nd Place – Daniel Devasahayam, Freshman, Northwest High School

3rd Place – Alexis Penn, Junior, Richard Montgomery High School

Read more about the event and contest from Rescue One. 

“This event was particularly meaningful because our AED program has resulted in six AED saves, with the last one occurring last Tuesday evening,” said Peter Park, Team Leader, Systemwide Safety Programs. “Community members performed CPR and used an MCPS AED to restore breathing and pulse for a person who experienced sudden cardiac arrest at one of our middle schools.”

CPR/AED and first aid training are available to all MCPS employees, free of charge. In compliance with state requirements, all MCPS schools must have at least two full-time school employees (not health room employees) certified in first aid and CPR/AED through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or National Safety Council. 

Trainings are offered throughout the year. Employees interested in becoming certified can contact Peter Park at Peter_Park@mcpmsd.org or visit the AED Program page for information.