UNMC hosted Druid Hill Academy students

David Smith, right, observes as Markel Devers adjusts the training mannequin’s airway before administering CPR.

The UNMC Youth Learning Center hosted an all-day workshop on March 4 for 45 students, grades 3-6, from North Omaha’s Druid Hill Academy. The event was co-sponsored by the Heartland Red Cross in observance of National American Red Cross Awareness Month. The American Red Cross’ motto is “Together We Can Save a Life.”

“The students were invited to come to the program to help them learn more about safety and emergency issues that may come about when they are home alone,” said Lisa Anne Jewell, director of the Youth Learning Center. “The number of children needing to stay home alone is growing due to single parent households and the need for a two income family.”

Rashelle Brizendine completes a crossword puzzle of safety tips.

During the first part of the day, Jewell provided a discussion with the students on such topics as: how they feel when they are home alone; safe ways to hold their house key; house rules that need to be followed when they are home alone; how and when to call 911; what to do if there is a fire; how to make a family fire escape plan; and what possible dangers and hazards they should be aware of while they are home alone.

In the afternoon, David Smith, staff member at the American Red Cross/Heartland Chapter, demonstrated how to administer basic first aid and CPR skills; how to assist someone when they are bleeding or choking; the importance of recognizing emergencies and how to respond to them; a demonstration on how to use the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and how it saves lives; and what students need to make their own first aid kits at home.

Aerianna Humphrey, left, and Kayla Wilson enjoy their lunch break.

“It is always a pleasure to work with Lisa and her students at the Youth Learning Center in order to pass along this life-saving information,” Smith said. “We work well together and enjoy interacting with the students, they are always ready and willing to learn new things.”

Each student received a packet of materials that included activity worksheets to help them identify potential emergencies, a list of important telephone numbers, and American Red Cross brochures explaining what to do in potential emergency situations. Before adjourning, each student also was given a certificate of achievement for his or her participation throughout the day.