ELEMENTARY STUDENTS LEARN FIRST-AID BASICS

Learning to call 911, applying a bandage and answering the telephone are part of first-aid lessons offered by high school students to area kindergarten and other elementary classes.

The program was offered by the American Red Cross which recently spent two days in kindergarten classes at Alma Schrader School.

Three teen-age volunteers from the American Red Cross were instructing 5- and 6-year-olds in morning and afternoon classes at the school.

Jamie Burgard and Amy Shaw from Cape Central High School and Jennifer Craiglow from Jackson High School were the seniors who participated in the program that teaches children fundamental first aid.

The volunteers divided the students into groups and explained different aspects of first aid including applying bandages and home safety procedures like answering the phone or the door.

Heather Deisher, 6, watched intently as Burgard explained calling 911 only in emergencies. Deisher was able to show that she could dial the number on a keypad Burgard was holding.

Zack Lowry, 5, was in another group, listening to Craiglow instructing the children not to open to door to strangers. And if someone calls and asks to speak to his parents, "don't tell them mom and dad aren't at home," he said.

Two kindergarten teachers at Alma Schrader, Bonnie LeGrand and Sharon Shaw, said the volunteers were welcomed by their students and the teachers.

"It's a nice change of pace for the students," LeGrand said of the program, "and this is important information for them to know. Plus, if they keep the Band-Aids on until they get home, I'm sure mom will want to know about the program too."

Shawnna Rhine, the program's coordinator, said the high school students were picked because of their interest in the health care profession and their enrollment in health-care classes at the Cape Girardeau Vocational Technical School.

Other schools also will be visited by the volunteers, she said.