If someone collapses in a gym.
If a family member stops breathing at home.
If a friend needs help before paramedics arrive.
Would our students know what to do?
Thanks to the commitment of our secondary educators, the answer is yes. Earlier this year, educators from across the Ottawa Catholic School Board participated in hands-on CPR, AED and Opioid Overdose Response training delivered in partnership with the ACT Foundation.
This professional learning strengthens their ability to teach lifesaving skills to every Grade 9 student. Emergencies do not come with warning. Preparation matters.
Real Practice. Real Confidence.
Educators did not sit through slides. They practiced real-life scenarios. They used AED devices. They reviewed protocols and shared strategies for teaching these skills effectively.
The feedback says it best:
“The practical portion of the training was awesome. Working with the AED in action was very useful.”
“Great to review and practice skills.”
“Great scenarios.”
“Excellent.”
When teachers feel confident, students do too.
Skills That Go Beyond the Classroom
Through the ACT High School CPR and AED Program, more than 6.5 million students across Canada have been trained in CPR. In Ontario alone, about 180,000 students are trained each year.
At OCSB, we are proud to now include Opioid Overdose Response Training as part of this learning. These are practical, real-world skills that students carry into their homes, workplaces, and communities.
This is not just about meeting curriculum expectations. It is about student well-being. It is about responsibility. It is about stepping forward when someone needs help.
Building Bridges That Protect and Care
As we continue our focus on Building Bridges, this initiative reminds us that education is not only about academic success, it’s about building community. It is about preparing young people to care for others.
We are grateful to our educators who continue to invest in learning that strengthens both competence and compassion. Sometimes, the most important lesson a student learns is how to save a life.
