Nevada Teen Uses CPR Skills to Save Father’s Life
CARSON CITY, Nev. – A remarkable act of heroism unfolded in Carson City when Iris Ibarra Montes, a ninth grader at Carson High School, utilized her CPR training to save her father’s life. This incident highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness education in schools.
The Incident
In a dramatic turn of events, Iris’s father collapsed unexpectedly at home last month. Without hesitation, Iris sprang into action. She immediately called 911, then commenced life-saving chest compressions for over ten minutes while waiting for help to arrive, all without any adult supervision.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found her father unresponsive. Thanks to Iris’s quick action, they were able to successfully resuscitate him. He was subsequently transported to the hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
A Lesson in Life-Saving Skills
Iris has credited her Principles of Health Science teacher, Frank Sakelarios, for equipping her with the knowledge to perform CPR effectively. In a statement, she recalled, “I just remembered what we practiced in class. It all happened so fast, but I knew I had to keep going until help arrived.”
Mr. Sakelarios expressed immense pride in Iris, stating, “Iris is an outstanding student and a shining example of how education can be applied in real-world emergency situations. As a first-year student in this program, she has distinguished herself as one of the kindest, most hardworking, and devoted individuals. I hope this experience inspires other students to engage seriously with our health science curriculum.”
Future Aspirations
Following this life-altering experience, Iris is motivated to pursue a career in sports medicine and nursing. Her commitment to healthcare showcases the positive impact of educational programs focusing on vital life skills.
Understanding CPR
As a continuation of this essential discussion, it’s critical to know how to perform CPR effectively. The American Red Cross provides the following steps:
Steps to Perform CPR
- Ensure the scene is safe and use personal protective equipment (PPE) if available.
- If the person appears unresponsive, check for responsiveness and breathing.
- If unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, call 911 immediately.
- Position the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.
- Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Follow these guidelines:
- Hand position: Place two hands centered on the chest.
- Body position: Ensure shoulders are directly over hands, with elbows locked.
- Compression depth: At least 2 inches.
- Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
- After every 30 chest compressions, provide two rescue breaths:
- Open the airway with the head-tilt/chin-lift technique.
- Pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs, and provide breaths lasting about 1 second each, ensuring the chest rises.
- Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until professional help arrives or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available.
Conclusion
The actions of Iris Ibarra Montes serve as a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of education and preparedness. Her story emphasizes the importance of teaching CPR and emergency response in schools, which not only equips students with essential skills but also empowers them to act decisively in critical situations.
