Horry County, SC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
HTC, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, has donated CPR training kits to Horry County Schools, responding to a new South Carolina law requiring CPR instruction for high school students. The initiative aims to equip students with essential life-saving skills by providing Hands-Only CPR training. Initial recipients include North Myrtle Beach High School, Loris High School, and the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology, with plans for more schools to receive kits in the future, ultimately enhancing student preparedness for cardiac emergencies.
North Myrtle Beach, SC – In a significant move to enhance life-saving education in schools, HTC and the American Heart Association have collaborated to donate CPR training kits to Horry County Schools. This initiative responds to a new South Carolina law mandating CPR instruction for all high school students prior to graduation.
The initial recipients of these training kits include North Myrtle Beach High School, Loris High School, and the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology. Each kit contains essential Hands-Only CPR training equipment, including reusable real-life manikins, allowing students to practice the skills needed in emergencies.
In line with the new legislation, every high school in the county will eventually receive these CPR kits. The instruction provided through these kits encompasses not only Hands-Only CPR techniques but also education on automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that students are well-prepared for potential cardiac emergencies.
Enhancing CPR Education
Scott Cyganiewicz, a majors teacher at the Academy for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology, highlighted the importance of these donations, stating that they are essential for teaching vital CPR skills to students. With the kits now in place, educators can effectively impart crucial life-saving techniques to their students.
Advocation for Safer Schools
The American Heart Association is committed to making schools safer through its advocacy initiatives. One of its primary efforts includes the promotion of the Smart Heart Act, which aims to mandate a cardiac emergency response plan for all public schools in South Carolina. This legislative effort seeks to bolster safety measures and ensure effective action during cardiac events.
In conjunction with these educational donations, the American Heart Association encourages support from teachers, school staff, students, and parents to advocate for the Smart Heart Act with local lawmakers. The organization recognizes that widespread awareness and preparation can significantly mitigate risks linked to cardiac emergencies in the school environment.
About Hands-Only CPR
The Hands-Only CPR initiative is part of a larger movement by the American Heart Association to improve CPR education and awareness. This approach emphasizes empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively during a cardiac emergency, ultimately saving lives. By integrating this training into the school curriculum, the hope is to cultivate a generation that is well-equipped to handle such critical situations.
Conclusion
The collaboration between HTC and the American Heart Association marks a vital step towards instilling essential CPR knowledge in Horry County students. As more schools receive these training kits, the community can look forward to a safer environment in which students are prepared to respond to heart emergencies.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the CPR training kits donated to Horry County Schools?
The CPR training kits are designed to equip students with essential life-saving skills, specifically Hands-Only CPR and knowledge about automated external defibrillators (AEDs) as mandated by South Carolina law.
Which schools have received the CPR training kits so far?
Initial recipients of the CPR training kits include North Myrtle Beach High School, Loris High School, and the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology.
Will other Horry County Schools receive these kits?
Yes, additional CPR training kits will be provided to more schools in Horry County in the coming years.
What legislation mandates CPR instruction in South Carolina high schools?
The state law requires that all high school students in South Carolina receive CPR instruction before graduation, which includes training on Hands-Only CPR and AEDs.
What is the Smart Heart Act?
The Smart Heart Act is a proposed legislative measure aimed at mandating cardiac emergency response plans for all public schools in South Carolina.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| CPR Training Kits | Contains Hands-Only CPR training equipment and reusable manikins. |
| Initial Schools | North Myrtle Beach High School, Loris High School, Academy for Arts, Science & Technology. |
| Future Plans | More Horry County Schools will receive CPR kits in upcoming years. |
| Legislative Requirement | All high school students in South Carolina must receive CPR instruction before graduation. |
| Smart Heart Act | A proposed law for cardiac emergency response plans in public schools. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: CPR Training Kits in Horry County Schools
- WPDE: American Heart Association CPR Kits Donation
- ABC News 4: Drowning Incident in Horry County
- Wikipedia: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Google Search: CPR Training in Schools
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
