YWIB-Metro New York at LSC's MiniMed Day: The Value of CPR and AED

On June 2, YWIB-Metro New York returned to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City for its fourth year participating in the MiniMed program, helping introduce more than 300 middle and high school students to the life-saving importance of CPR and AEDs. Throughout the day, students from Marion P. Thomas Charter School, Passaic Arts and Science Charter School, and MS4 in Jersey City stopped by the YWIB information table to learn about emergency response and what to do when someone is having trouble breathing or experiencing a cardiac emergency. Dawn Fallon, Co-Chair of YWIB-Metro New York, spoke with students about the value of CPR and AED training and how these skills can make a critical difference in an emergency.

Students were encouraged to review educational materials before testing their knowledge with CPR and AED quizzes. The interactive format kept students engaged, and those who completed the quizzes were rewarded with healthy snacks and WIB/YWIB swag. Many were surprised by some of the quiz answers, particularly the steps involved in responding to breathing emergencies, sparking thoughtful conversations throughout the event.

One special aspect of the program was that the educational materials were developed by the daughter of a WIB-Metro New York team member, a high school student in New York City. The materials were reviewed by Dawn Fallon and YWIB Committee member Mini Gururaj before being shared with attendees. The quizzes proved to be one of the most popular parts of the event, with students enjoying the challenge of applying what they had just learned in real time.

By the end of the day, hundreds of students had gained valuable knowledge about CPR and AEDs and left with a better understanding of how they could help save a life. The team was proud to help equip the next generation with practical skills and confidence that could one day make a life-saving difference in their communities.

Submitted by Dawn Fallon