Submitted by SCAFoundation on Wed, 04/29/2009 - 12:00am

SAVANNAH, GA–A Catholic high school here could become first in the nation to have 100% of students trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automatic external defibrillator). Its all about Saving Lives in Chatham County Wednesday, April 29 at Benedictine Military School (BC) as entire student body learns how to save lives. BC will become the only high school in Chatham County and possibly the U.S. to have the entire student body trained in CPR, AED, Heimlich Maneuver, and stroke recognition.

The Saving Lives in Chatham County (SLICC) organization is helping to coordinate the event Wednesday from 8AM-3:15PM at BCs 6502 Seawright Drive campus. Volunteer instructors include local cardiologist and BC alumnus, Dr. John Spellman.

It began with good intentions, teaching BC students how to save lives. This week, however, the school has learned that it may be the first in the nation to have the entire student body trained in CPR and AED. Brian Tuten, head of BCs health office, has done some research on the matter.

"I have been able to identify many high schools where some CPR training has occurred. Only three high schools appear to be on track to train all the students in CPR and AED," Tuten explains. Norton High School, Norton, MA; Leo High School. Fort Wayne, IN; and BC. There might be other high schools that are headed for the goal line--and maybe some have already crossed it, but so far it appears that Benedictine will get there first. Tutens' sources include the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

Ultimately, today's training is all about saving lives as the entire student body at BC will receive special training beginning at 8AM. Students will receive training on a rotational basis during one of six class sessions that will begin at 8AM and go until 3:15PM (note: there will be a break for Mass from 9AM-10:15AM and a lunch break from 11:45AM-12:15PM).

Dr. John Spellman, a local cardiologist and BC alumnus, will be among the volunteers instructing students in life-saving methods on Tuesday. Dr. Spellman specializes in cardiology and interventional cardiology. Instructors will help teach students the life-saving methods by using mannequins as part of the training. Other instructors include Dr. Colm Acuff, Vikki Alpher, Marcia Johnson, Dr. George Longstreth, Anne Lyon, Toni Marwitz, Bob Trenkamp, Shar Trenkamp, and Tom Wycall.

SLICC is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. The organization is committed to raising the survival rate for out-of-hospital, sudden cardiac arrests as well as decreasing the number of stroke patients denied thrombolytic treatment.

BC is a Catholic, Benedictine military school educating a diverse male population in the military tradition. While BC is committed to preparing young men for college, it also fosters life-long learning and service to others. BC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information visit www.thebc400.com.