Cardiac Emergency Response Team Training at High Road School of Hoffman Estates

Cardiac Emergency Response Training Strengthens School Safety

Select staff members from High Road School of Hoffman Estates recently completed a half-day Cardiac Emergency Response Team training. This is done in partnership with the Hoffman Estates Fire Department, strengthening the school’s preparedness for medical emergencies. The session focused on hands-on instruction to ensure designated responders are ready to act quickly and effectively when minutes matter most.

What Is the Cardiac Emergency Response Team Program

High Road School established its Cardiac Emergency Response Team, known as CERT, as part of its participation in Project ADAM. Project ADAM is a nationwide initiative that helps schools become Heart Safe. Notably, the school has made a deliberate effort to ensure the campus can provide an immediate response to a cardiac emergency.National data underscore the importance of this work. Each year in the United States, an estimated 356,000 adults experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, along with approximately 23,000 pediatric cases.

Why Cardiac Emergency Response Training Matters

“At High Road School of Hoffman Estates, safety is built into how we plan and operate each day,” said Nicole Davenport, regional director. “By investing in specialized training for our Cardiac Emergency Response Team, we are making sure teammates are prepared to respond calmly and effectively in a medical crisis, while giving families confidence that student safety is a top priority.”

How the CERT Team Prepares for Medical Emergencies

The CERT at Hoffman Estates includes eight staff members who volunteered to serve on the team after completing a questionnaire about their experience and interest. All members maintain current CPR and AED certification and are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the school’s Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. The team renews certification every two years and meets monthly to review protocols and preparedness.

Hands-On Emergency Response Skills Training

During the training, participants received instruction in CPR, AED use, first aid, NARCAN administration, and Stop the Bleed procedures. A new component introduced this year was tourniquet use. In addition to technical skills, the training emphasized the mental health of responders, including recognition of the emotional demands placed on staff during high-pressure emergency situations.

The Hoffman Estates Fire Department customized the training to align with the needs of a special education school. As part of this effort, they coordinated closely with campus leadership to integrate the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan with local emergency response protocols.

Ongoing Readiness and Emergency Preparedness

Ultimately, to maintain readiness, the school conducts two cardiac emergency drills each year. This allows CERT members to rehearse their roles and reinforce best practices. Ultimately, knowing a trained response team is available during the school day helps staff remain focused and confident. All while providing families and district partners with reassurance that medical emergencies are met with preparation and care.