As students returned from Fall Break, Board of Trustee Marti Emerald and the Sweetwater District recently announced the next phase of the SUHSD HeartSafe Initiative. Emerald and Kristina Fox, Program Manager, Alternative Education/Adult Education, aim to enhance cardiac emergency preparedness across the district by updating over 60 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and training students in essential life-saving skills.

“Our goal is to ensure that every student in the Sweetwater Union High School District knows how to save a life. With proper training, our students will be equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies effectively.”

The initiative kicked off with the training of all 9th and 10th graders at Chula Vista High School in Hands-Only CPR and the proper use of AED Machines. Training of these vital skills will empower students to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies, both at school, and at home. Volunteers from Project Heart Beat, San Diego Fire Department, and Southwestern College EMT classes will assist in delivering this training during Physical Education classes with subsequent training for 7th and 8th graders scheduled for the third quarter after winter break.

The goal of the district is to achieve a district HeartSafe Banner by ensuring AEDs are accessible within a 3-minute distance, as per HeartSafe guidelines.

“As a district, we are committed to the safety and well-being of every student,” said Superintendent Dr. Moises G. Aguirre. “Our heart safe initiative is not just a program; it’s a promise to our community that we prioritize health and readiness. By equipping our schools with life-saving resources and training, we are fostering an environment where every child can thrive, knowing that their safety is our top concern.”