Equipping Berkeley County students to save lives with CPR
October 28, 2025
The American Heart Association provides Hands-Only CPR training equipment to Berkeley County Schools
In recognition of Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month, the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, is empowering local students to save lives by providing Hands-Only CPR training equipment to Berkeley County Schools. More than 350,000 people in the U.S. experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, according to research from the American Heart Association. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
With the support of Choate Construction, each high school in Berkeley County will receive a CPR in Schools Training Kit. Choate Construction is a proud local sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Live Fierce. Take Action. The initiative previously provided kits to Charleston County and Dorchester County high schools.
“We are thankful to Choate Construction for their support of our CPR in Schools initiative,” said Katie Schumacher, American Heart Association executive director, Charleston. “Knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency can be the difference between life and death and we are excited to add Berkeley County students to the Nation of Lifesavers.”
South Carolina law requires high school students to receive CPR instruction before graduation, including Hands-Only CPR and awareness of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The Association’s CPR in Schools Training Kit gives students the opportunity to practice their lifesaving skills on a manikin, and the reusable kits can be used to train thousands of people year after year.
“We know that every second counts in a cardiac emergency,” said Cami Tidwell, director of nursing services, Berkeley County School District. “Hands-only CPR training is more than a graduation requirement – it’s a skill that builds confidence, responsibility, and compassion in our students. We are grateful to the American Heart Association and Chote Construction for these lifesaving resources.”
“We’re excited about placing CPR in Schools kits in high schools around the Lowcountry,” said Matt Brewer, president and CEO, Choate Construction. “This initiative aligns with our core values and our passion for putting philanthropy into action. CPR education is an important part of Choate’s safety program and we’re proud to help save lives by providing greater access to CPR training in our local high schools.”
Hands-Only CPR education is just one part of the American Heart Association’s efforts to make schools safer. Lives are saved when people are trained, confident, and ready to act. The Heart Association is urging South Carolina lawmakers to pass the Smart Heart Act, which would require every South Carolina public school to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP). Having a CERP ensures that school staff are prepared to respond immediately in the event of a cardiac emergency on school grounds.
To learn more about the Smart Heart Act, visit HeartPowered.Org
To learn more about Hands-Only CPR, visit cpr.heart.org
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
