Over Memorial Day weekend, a relaxing family getaway turned into a life-saving moment for one Fond du Lac School District staff member. While enjoying time with her family at a Wisconsin Dells resort, Jill Irving, our district’s Supervisor of School Health Services, noticed a lifeguard in distress, cradling an unresponsive young child who had just been rescued from the deep end of a pool.

She did not hesitate.

A certified CPR instructor, registered nurse and leader of our district’s health services, Ms. Irving immediately sprang into action—directing someone to call 911, immediately starting chest compressions on the pulseless child, instructing bystanders to bring towels and lifeguards to bring the AED.

It was the first time Ms. Irving had used her CPR training outside of work or a hospital setting—a real-world reminder of just how important CPR education is. In her words, it also reaffirmed that if pediatric AED pads are not available, adult pads can be used—one on the chest, one on the back—for small children.

Living in a community surrounded by water and outdoor recreation, this moment serves as a timely reminder to stay safe and stay prepared. Ms. Irving is grateful to have been in the right place at the right time—and more committed than ever to empowering others through CPR training.