Nearly 100 students and staff at South Pasadena Middle School and South Pasadena High School took part in hands‑on Sidewalk CPR training (Photo – SPUSD)
Nearly 100 students and staff at South Pasadena Middle School and South Pasadena High School took part in hands‑on Sidewalk CPR training on May 18–19, 2026, turning each school gym into a hub of lifesaving practice and community readiness.
By News Desk
Over the two‑day event, the South Pasadena Fire Department, working in partnership with Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services, delivered free instruction designed to give participants the confidence to act quickly in an emergency. The training focused on the essential three‑step sequence that must be completed before beginning chest compressions: checking the scene for safety, calling 911, and tapping the patient to check for breathing. Once those steps were mastered, students and staff practiced performing strong, effective chest compressions on CPR manikins.
The program’s goal was simple but powerful — to empower as many people as possible with the ability to intervene during cardiac emergencies, where immediate action can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. For many students, it was their first time learning hands‑only CPR, and instructors emphasized that even brief training can make a critical difference.
District Nurse Abby Silver, who coordinated the event, expressed gratitude for the collaboration and turnout. The South Pasadena Fire Department echoed that appreciation, noting that widespread community training strengthens emergency response far beyond the classroom.
As the school year continues, organizers hope the experience inspires more students and staff to pursue additional CPR certification and remain prepared to help when every second counts.
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