JACKSON SENIORS TEACH AREA YOUTH CPR TECHNIQUES

Teaching others what they already know is the goal of three Jackson High School seniors -- how to save lives.

Jennifer Craiglow, Debbie Niemeier and Sara Weiss are teaching first aid and CPR to Jackson area youth. All three participated in the American Red Cross' Learn and Serve America Program. The seniors said they learned of the program from their health care teacher Daphana Fielher.

Niemeier got involved in the program because it was an opportunity to help others. "I've always wanted to know about CPR and first aid," Niemeier said. "Now I have a chance to help other people by teaching them the basics."

The program trains teens to be first aid and CPR instructors to other youth. Teens from Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Scott City, Chaffee and Essex are all participating in the program.

"The program was set up to train youth to train other youths," said Shawnna Rhine, director of health safety at the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the Red Cross. "The program is meant to build up youth's service to the community."

The Learn and Serve program is funded by a $12,000 federal grant from the Corporation for National and Community service. The corporation's mission is to engage people of all backgrounds in community service, Rhine said.

The grant covered the training of the teen instructors. The program currently has 20 youth instructors who range from 15 to 19 years old.

These youth are able to teach First Aid for Children Today (FACT), Basic Aid Training (BAT), Adult CPR and first aid training. The grant covers all the fees associated with taking the class.

The training received will also make the teens qualified to handle emergencies. "I always wanted to know CPR," said Weiss. "You never know when an emergency will come up."

Schools, churches and other organizations have been notified that the instructors and classes are available. There is no charge to the groups since equipment costs are covered under the grant.

The program gives the teens a chance to teach classmates and peers.

"The program taught us how to teach," said Craiglow. "We mostly teach little kids but are certified to teach anyone. Next week, I am teaching a kindergarten class."

The program is a great opportunity to get youths involved in the community and the Red Cross, Rhine said. "The program brings youths in and gets them acquainted with the Red Cross," she said. "Hopefully, they will continue to be part of the Red Cross in the future. Also, the training they receive is something they can take with them into the community and workplace."

The program will be available until August, said Rhine. Since the school year is rapidly coming to a close, the Red Cross will try to plan some special programs involving the teen instructors over the summer, she said.