Bish Becomes Galway’s First Croí Friendly School

The school’s 160 first year students have just completed their training in basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) through the Croi Centre for Lifesaving Training. Additionally, the school has installed two Automated External Defibrillators for both on and off-site use and five staff members are trained and certified as AED first responders.

“St. Joseph's College-the Bish are delighted to be the first school working with Croí under the ‘Croí Friendly Schools’ initiative. All our first year students are now trained in CPR. We hope to continue this training annually with our first years so that in five years time all our students will be equipped with this very valuable life saving skill,” said John O’Keefe, Principal.

The students and staff were trained as part of Croí’s new school’s initiative which focuses on emphasising the importance of teaching the basics of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to school-going students in post–primary schools.

According to Catherine Sheridan, Croí Centre for Lifesaving Training Co-ordinator, the lifesaving skills learned by the students and staff of the Bish Secondary School could someday save a person’s life.

“In our schools programmes we teach students and staff what to do if someone collapses or their heart suddenly stops beating. We also teach them how to respond if someone is choking,” said Catherine.

As part of the ‘Croí Friendly Schools’ initiative training is offered to all secondary school pupils and their teachers. Training sessions are scheduled within the school timetable to suit the needs and requirements of individual schools.

“We hope our new schools initiative will raise awareness levels of how to recognise and respond to cardiac emergencies; and teach students and staff basic lifesaving skills which could one day save someone’s life," concluded Catherine.

For further information on the programme please contact Catherine Sheridan R.G.N. / R.C.N

Croí Centre for Lifesaving Training Co-Ordinator, on 091-480816 or email catherine@croi.ie.