HORIZON CITY, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Ricardo Estrada Middle School in Horizon City has become the first school in El Paso County to be named a Heart Safe School, a designation aimed at strengthening campus readiness for cardiac emergencies.<\/p>\n
The recognition is part of Project ADAM, a nationwide initiative focused on preparing schools to respond to cardiac incidents. <\/p>\n
Clint Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Juan I. Martinez said the effort is centered on student safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are focused on the safety and health of our students. This is an extremely important benefit \u2014 especially in athletics or any situation that can happen at any time. Parents can be assured we are doing everything we can to keep students safe,\u201d Martinez said.<\/p>\n
Destiny Venecia reports on how a middle school in Horizon City is responding to cardiac emergencies<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: ATV driver sought after hitting 9-year-old outside Far East El Paso middle school<\/a><\/p>\n Clint ISD, Project ADAM, and El Paso Children\u2019s Hospital partnered on the initiative. <\/p>\n To earn the Heart Safe School designation, every staff member at Ricardo Estrada completed CPR training and learned how to use an automated external defibrillator.<\/p>\n Martinez said the district has experienced medical scares in the past and that being prepared can make a critical difference in an emergency response.<\/p>\n \u201cI think there are four steps in this training to get the certification within three minutes; they have to be able to respond to an emergency situation with the students,\u201d Martinez said.<\/p>\n El Paso Children\u2019s Hospital provided guidance, resources, and training for the program.<\/p>\n Martinez said he hopes to bring the Heart Safe School initiative to all Clint ISD campuses within the next two years.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Texas board says TEA\u2019s Bluebonnet curriculum needs 4,200-plus corrections<\/a><\/p>\n