In a few short months they will graduate and go out into the world on their own. On Friday, St. Joseph High School seniors got one more bit of education that they can take with them but hopefully never have to use.

They got a day-long training in first aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the St. Joseph Catholic Church undercroft.

“We do this every year about the time they graduate. At the end of the course they are certified to give first aid and do CPR,” Chris Monte, assistant principal explained. “It’s very important the kids know this. They’re ready to graduate and be responsible citizens. We want them to be as prepared as possible.”

While some of the lessons were videotaped, much of it was hands-on training, compliments of equipment loaned by King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Ky. How is a bandage properly applied? How is chest compression properly performed and what do you do if someone has a seizure or a stroke?

“We want them to get some confidence and be able to help someone in need,” Ironton Catholic Schools nurse Cindy Brown said. “And it looks good on a college application or a job application to be able to say ‘I can do this.’”

Sarah Goebel took her turn practicing CPR with fellow students. She said while the training is good to have, she plans to be a biomedical engineer; having practical experience in first aid and CPR has not led to a change in her career goals.

“I just know I never want to be a doctor. I don’t like hospitals,” she said. “Both my parents are doctors.”