Chicago high school students receive training in life-saving emergency skills

CHICAGO – In the gymnasium of Johnson College Prep in Englewood, high school seniors Tamya Cribbs and Maryiah House are among the dozens of students being taught how to use a tourniquet, a skill that could save lives in emergency situations.

“It’s teaching me stuff that I never learned before and teaching me stuff just incase,” Cribbs said.

This hands-on training event launched in the fall of 2024 and this is the third time it’s been held. Students are trained how to take swift and effective action during emergencies and learn how to properly control bleeding, administer CPR and provide life-saving first aid until professional medical help arrives.

It’s all through a partnership with the mayor’s office, OEMC, the University of Chicago and Rush University.

“The area that we live in, a lot of these things happen to people that we know, love and just be around,” House said.

The event comes after a student died from gun violence this month. Organizers said the devastating tragedy highlights the critical need for communities to prioritize preparedness and offer support.

“Here on Chicago’s West and South sides are the highest likelihood in the country to actually experience violence more than other youth their age, likely to see heart disease, cardiac arrest,” Dr. Abdullah Pratt with the University of Chicago said.

Organizers emphasize these trainings aren’t just about being prepared, they’re intended to empower young people with the tools and knowledge to protect both themselves and their communities.

“Stepping up into the world, I can have the skills to save someone’s life,” Johnson College Prep senior Jordon West said.

Almost 400 students from across the city have taken part in this event. Organizers hope to continue making it a monthly occurrence. The next school they will bring this event to is located on the city’s West Side.