BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — The Boynton Beach Community High School medical program is teaching students life-saving techniques.
WPTV reported last month about a Boynton Beach High School senior who saved a man’s life after he went into cardiac arrest at a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Sarah VanRoekel, who's enrolled in the medical program, performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
The school's medical program is teaching other students like VanRoekel life-saving skills.
"I’ve been in medical since sixth grade," said senior Ja’Shauna King.
King is part of the first senior class to graduate through the medical program for four years at Boynton Beach High School.
Department Chair Chad Parker said students learn hands-on experience and get training that would normally be taught in college.
"They are going to be CPR and first aid certified," said Parker. "Emergency medical responder, certified medical administrative assistant, EKG tech, and a certified personal trainer certified."
King said she used her CPR training to help save a woman who was overdosing.
"It was just amazing that I was able to save somebody’s life," said King.
Senior Tamar Francois said she wants to be an athletic trainer.
"I actually passed my CPT test yesterday," Francois said. That means she can work as a personal trainer at just 18 years old.
Parker, who is also the athletic trainer at Boynton Beach High School, said students will volunteer in the training room. Next year, they have about 200 students enrolled.
"They are prepared to graduate high school, but they are also prepared for a career setting," said Parker.
To learn more about the medical program at Boynton Beach High School, click here.