Hawaii Keiki Nurses Provide Hands-On CPR/AED Training to HIDOE Staff and Students on Maui

Hawaii Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn Program nurses play an important role for Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) schools by coordinating health education and training for staff and students, including hands-only CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. In fall 2022, the Hawaii Keiki (HK) Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui (BKM) nurses Janel Branson, Maui Complex Area APRN, and Rebecca Sigari, Maui Complex RN at Kahului Elementary School, provided hands-only CPR & AED training to HIDOE school staff on the island of Maui.

The first American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR & AED training course was conducted at Kalama Intermediate School for 24 HIDOE staff members. The course was guided by Pamela Foster, President & CEO of AED Institute. Attendees included school security, teachers, administration, and custodial staff. Since the first training, HK’s BKM nurses have organized and provided training for HIDOE staff at Paia Elementary School and Maui Waena Intermediate School.

“Providing hands-only CPR and AED training empowers HIDOE staff and students to help keep their campuses and communities safe,” said Kailene Oliveros, HK Director of Clinical Operations. “This course has the potential to save many lives for those on Maui who experience a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Our talented nurses work together as a team to coordinate events with community partners.”

After witnessing the benefits and positive feedback of the training, HK BKM nurses, AED institute staff, and instructors from the Maui Fire Department and Hawaii American Medical Response, provided hands-only CPR training to more than 900 HIDOE students at Kalama Intermediate School. Kalama Intermediate students also had an opportunity to look inside an ambulance and interact with HK nurses and other health professionals.

“It’s truly amazing and fun to engage with students on this level,” said Sigari. “One of the greatest joys of being a nurse is empowering those around me through health education and encouragement.”

HK would like to thank Pamela Foster, President & CEO of AED Institute for guiding the first HeartSaver course and collaborating with HK nurses to provide manikins and CPR certification cards through a generous grant from Hawaiian Airlines and Kids4CPR.  HK would also like to thank HIDOE Educator Erin Rodgers who helped to organize classes at school campuses. BKM nurses have continued to work with Rodgers to offer classes at other BKM Complex schools.

Visit Hawaii Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn for more information.