The mission that Williston 8th grader Tommy Watson started when he saw only one person begin CPR on a man who collapsed at a sporting event last fall continues strong. On Thursday, March 8, Tommy trained more than 30 continuing education professionals at the University of Vermont. Among them was the 200th person he trained.
“I originally set a goal of training 100 people,” Tommy said. “I hit that on Feb. 1 when I trained Lt. Gov. Phil Scott. I’ll keep going now – I have more trainings planned.”
“Tommy Watson did an excellent job raising awareness and providing hands-on training in our recent staff meeting,” said Cathi Cody-Hudson, HR/Facilities Manager, Continuing Education, at UVM. “UVM Continuing Education staff were very impressed with his professionalism and expertise and appreciated the opportunity to learn the updated Hands-Only CPR technique.”
“Early bystander CPR is a critical link in the chain of survival, particularly in a rural environment,” said Chris Bell, director, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Medical Services at the Vermont Department of Health. “Survival from sudden cardiac arrest is most successful with early CPR, early defibrillation, and appropriate EMS care. By teaching others, Tommy is helping to save the lives of Vermonters.”
Using the American Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR, Tommy is able to train people in about half an hour. The Hands-Only CPR kit contains a DVD and a mini-manikin for people to practice CPR. The American Heart Association updates CPR guidelines every five years, and has found that starting chest compressions first – or only – can be effective in saving a life. More than 383,000 people suffer out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest each year – most often in the home. Only 11% survive, but starting CPR can double or triple the chances of survival.
“I think everyone should learn CPR,” Tommy said. “That’s why I’ve also set a goal of helping pass S.245, which would create a law that would give every Vermont high school student a chance to learn CPR.” Working with the American Heart Association, Tommy testified before the Senate Education Committee, and was recognized by the Senate when the bill passed that chamber. The legislation is currently before the House Education Committee awaiting a hearing date.