Vermont high school first in state to adapt  SALF training

March 16, 2007

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MANCHESTER - Members of a freshman Health Class at Burr and Burton Academy this week became Vermont's first group of students to receive basic Life Supporting First Aid (LSFA) skills training intended to help them to save lives - most likely those of their family and friends. The training, which included information on how to stop bleeding, treat burns, and perform the abdominal thrust for choking (Heimlich maneuver) and CPR was delivered by the Save A Life Foundation (SALF). Future training will be accomplished using local EMS instructors providing the in-class instruction.

Students are frequently bystanders at emergency scenes and, given Vermont's rural nature, when trained they can help sustain life until help arrives. "These students can serve as a 'medical care bridge' in time of need," explained John Donleavy, President and CEO of Vermont Electric Power Company, whose teenage daughters attend the Academy. "VELCO brought the Save A Life Foundation to Vermont and launching the program through a partnership with the Academy seemed a natural fit. Both VELCO and Burr and Burton are values-driven institutions," said Donleavy.

Burr and Burton Headmaster, Charles Scranton stated, "We take pride in the many opportunities we provide for the exercise of leadership skills and the growth of self-confidence. We expect our students to get involved, to assume responsibility for their own education, and to contribute positively to their school. This training parallels our school's mission." "The goal," he noted, "is to train Burr and Burton's 700 plus students and 66 faculty."
Save A Life Foundation instructor, Sid Blustain began the students' Bystander Basics training session by recounting his experiences as a firefighter paramedic in Chicago, his work at the scene of the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center, and other harrowing situations. He did so, he said, "Not to brag about my qualifications, but because I want you to know the information I'm going to give you really works, really can save a life. While we're talking I want you to think about your family and think about your friends because more likely than not that's who you could be saving."

Blustain's approach worked according to the students. "It's very useful. Hearing stories about things that really happened made it interesting," observed 14-year old Miranda Ouellette, of Manchester. Fifteen-year old Brandon Merrow of Weston also approved. "It brought back a lot of information I learned last year. I bet they've saved a lot of lives." Added teacher Julie Fifield, "I think that ultimately this instruction should be part of the curriculum."