Empowering Lifesavers: GPS Students Earn CPR, First Aid & AED Certification Through Red Cross Program

This year, students at GPS have been gaining more than just classroom knowledge—they've been learning how to save lives. Through the Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification course, integrated into the upper school health curriculum, girls are developing vital emergency response skills and confidence in their ability to act in life-threatening situations.

Following a recent multi-week unit in health class, spring semester students participated in final testing sessions, where they demonstrated their knowledge and skills in real-life scenarios, including performing CPR on mannequins, responding to choking incidents, and applying first aid techniques like managing severe bleeding.

At the conclusion of testing across both semesters, 56 students were officially certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED use—a significant milestone for these young ladies. Since bringing the program to GPS in 2022, 144 students have been certified.

This powerful initiative was made possible by three Red Cross-certified instructors on campus: Health teacher London Cornelius, School Nurse Melissa Nati, and Dean of Health, Wellness, and Physical Education Beverly Blackwell. Their commitment to student health and safety underscores GPS’s dedication to holistic education that empowers students to care for themselves and others.

“Giving our students the opportunity to have CPR training and certification not only equips them to save lives, but we are also hopeful that it gives them confidence, leadership and a sense of responsibility to step up in critical moments,” Beverly says.