Westfield Teens Working to Save Lives, One CPR Lesson at a Time

Beat The Beat, a nonprofit run by Westfield teens, provides free first aid and CPR classes to the Union County community. Founded and directed by rising Westfield High School senior Jessica Tan, the organization strives to minimize gender and income disparities among those who receive CPR.

Tan became interested in providing first aid instruction after researching it for her junior research project at WHS. "I learned that women and people in lower-income communities have lower survival rates and bystander intervention rates. This was because many people could not afford CPR classes, and those who were educated were afraid of touching women inappropriately," she said.

After completing her research project, Tan realized she could help bridge these disparities by providing free classes that serve low-income communities, as well as using CPR mannequins of both genders to make licensed individuals more comfortable performing CPR on females. "Typical certification courses cost $50-$100, making them inaccessible to all audiences," said Henry Bastable, a rising senior at St. Peter's Prep who serves as the program's managing director.

Beat The Beat has issued 11 CPR/AED/First Aid certifications throughout their three classes. All instructors are certified through the American Red Cross training program. Summer classes run from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on July 27, Aug. 10 and Aug. 24 at the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.

Participants learn how to recognize cardiac arrests, perform rescue breaths, perform chest compressions, and use an AED. Carolyn Dunn, a local parent and participant, said: "The CPR class was well-run, quick and efficient. It only took a couple of hours to earn the CPR and first aid certifications."

The organization is currently in the process of achieving 501(c)(3) status to apply for grants and fundraisers. More information and class registration is available at beatthebeat.org.

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.