Accident waiting to happen couldn't pick a better place

Martha Mansfield jokes that if someone's going to need CPR or first aid, Kempsville High School is the place to be.

For the past five years the health and physical education teacher, athletic trainer and CPR instructor has certified every freshman student at the school.

She estimates that 500 to 600 students annually are certified in the life-saving procedures, which means that almost every student walking Kempsville's halls is prepared should an emergency arise.

That feels "pretty sweet," according to Austin Dickey.

"It's reassuring to know that I'll be able to do something if something happens," said Austin, 15.

Abbey Wright, 14, had taken a course in CPR, first aid and basic water safety from the American Red Cross when she started to baby-sit.

"This is more of a refresher for me and a chance to get recertified," the Larkspur resident said.

Renee Figurelle, director of healthy and safety training for the American Red Cross, said while CPR and first aid are a part of the Virginia Standard of Learning Curriculum, Kempsville is the only Virginia Beach high school to certify students.

"She goes the extra mile to make sure these kids at her school are prepared to deal with emergencies," she said of Mansfield.

Equipped with a sound and visual system, the educator is assisted by the other ninth-grade physical education teachers. They instruct for two weeks with lectures, books and hands-on training with mannequins.

"I rarely have a student refuse to participate in the skills part. Even the tough ones really seem interested in learning how to save someone's life," said Mansfield.

She presents students with two scenarios as they go through the steps. The 17-year teaching veteran also offers training to faculty and staff and is a volunteer instructor for the Red Cross.

"Anyone can teach you about CPR. But a trained instructor, as Marti (Manfield's nickname) is, makes sure they walk out the door with a certification, by using the latest skills, current materials and books. She's really insuring those students have confidence in those skills," Figurelle said.

Other Beach schools are looking into training more physical education teachers.

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net