CPR and Emergency Response
Building Lifesaving Skills in Our Schools: RCBS CPR Training Initiative
The Rotary Club of Barbados South (RCBS) continues to invest in initiatives that strengthen community resilience and save lives.
Through dedicated funding support from Adtalem/Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM), a one-day, hands-on CPR training workshop was facilitated and led by faculty physicians from the Ross University School of Medicine, equipping participants with critical emergency response skills.
A Hands-On Approach to Saving Lives
The workshop was delivered under the American Heart Association Heartsaver Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED certification standards, ensuring participants received internationally recognized, high-quality training.
Funding covered:
- Student Workbook eBooks for each participant
- Assessment tools for certification
- Professional facilitation by experienced medical instructors
Participants engaged in practical, scenario-based learning using both adult and infant manikins, allowing them to build confidence and competence in real-life emergency situations.
Who Participated?
A total of 23 individuals took part in the training, including:
- 12 representatives from 4 primary schools
(principals, senior teachers, and physical education teachers) - 8 Rotarians and guests
- 3 medical instructors who facilitated the session
This diverse group reflects RCBS’s commitment to building capacity across both the education sector and the wider community.
Strengthening Emergency Response Capacity
The initiative was guided by three key goals:
- Empowering educators with lifesaving skills, recognizing their role as first responders in school environments
- Enhancing community preparedness for cardiac emergencies through certified CPR training
- Promoting awareness of the importance of CPR and fostering a culture of readiness within Barbados’ primary schools
Measurable Impact
The training was a resounding success, with all participants demonstrating competence in essential lifesaving techniques, including:
- Recognizing medical emergencies
- Calling for help quickly and effectively
- Performing high-quality chest compressions for both adults and infants
- Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Responding confidently to unresponsive individuals
A Commitment to Safer Communities
By equipping educators and community members with these critical skills, RCBS is helping to create safer school environments and a more prepared society. In emergencies where every second counts, trained individuals can make the difference between life and death.
This initiative underscores RCBS’s ongoing commitment to service above self—empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and saving lives across Barbados.