Army JROTC Cadets pose with school nurse Sandi Hall after completing CPR & AED training. (Photo by John McLeod, Senior Army Instructor)
Written by John McLeod, Senior Army Instructor
When seconds matter, preparation makes all the difference. Earlier this month, 27 Taylor County High School, Butler, Georgia, Army JROTC cadets proved their readiness by completing American Red Cross certification in CPR and Automated External Defibrillator.
The training combined online learning with hands-on practice, giving cadets the chance to master techniques that can save lives in emergencies. With more than 500 thousand cardiac arrests occurring each year, CPR and AED intervention can mean survival when every heartbeat counts. For retired Lt. Col. John McLeod, Senior Army Instructor at Taylor County, this milestone reflects more than just another credential.
“My goal is that JROTC cadets have as many tools in their toolkit as possible to make them successful and good citizens,” he said. “CPR and AED certifications are valuable not only as citizens but also for countless jobs and careers.”
For Sandi Hall, the school nurse, the importance of CPR and AED training is deeply personal.
“Everybody should be CPR/AED certified,” she said. “Nothing is worse than seeing a family member or friend collapse and not knowing how to help.”
With this certification, Viking cadets are walking away not only with a life-saving skill but also a stronger sense of service to their school, families, and community.
“I know how to and can save people,” said Cadet Brianna.
“I feel it will help us in the future. The training was easy and a short course,” said Cadet Natalie Lawson.
“Bringing the training to Taylor County students was a team effort. School nurse Sandi Hall secured grant funding from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Project S.A.V.E., which saved TCHS JROTC more than $1,200 in certification costs. That support allowed the Viking Battalion to redirect its funds toward other Cadet programs.” “We are indebted to Nurse Hall for the opportunity and her persistence in making this certification possible,” McLeod said.
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