Prioritize preparation

Medical emergencies are frightening; they can be serious, and they can impact anyone. It was terrifying when Damar Hamlin, a football player for the Bufalo Bills, suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest and required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It made me think about possible sudden medical emergencies that my friends or family could experience. Would I be prepared to administer CPR at a moment’s notice? Would people around me be prepared to deliver CPR if I needed it?

Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest (the sudden loss of heart function) after a blow to the chest. Medically known as commotio cordis, the condition is triggered when one is hit forcefully in the chest, which could occur to any student athlete.

The risk that someone in LM, could collapse from cardiac arrest without warning, is alarm- ing. This raises the question: is LM prepared for its students or staf to experience cardiac arrest during a football game, in the halls, or during class?

I have observed that there are automated external defbrillators (AEDs) throughout the school, which are used to deliver electrical shocks to the hearts of cardiac arrest victims and hopefully restore heart function. There is also a clearly marked AED located at Arnold Field, well-placed at the base of the scoreboard. In addition, Athletic Trainers are CPR certifed, and these trainers are present at every varsity football game, to respond to medical emergencies or any other injury that might require immediate care.

While LM is, according to local law, adequately prepared if a student or athlete were to have a sudden health issue, I believe that just adequate is never enough, especially when it puts students and staf at risk.

There are many possible strategies to better prepare our community for medical emergencies. Jason Luty, the head Athletic Trainer, said, “each member of the training staf is CPR certifed.” However, CPR certifcation isn’t currently mandated for teachers, which could potentially put students’ health in jeopardy regarding cardiac arrest. Another possible strategy to exceed adequate preparations for a potential cardiac arrest case is to increase the amount of AEDs throughout the school. Our campus is extensive; all and makes impactful decisions for the present and future generations of students. For example, installing mental health programs for teachers. additional AEDs would provide for better response times and improved safety during crises. Now, whether or not it is realistic for LM to have every staf member CPR certifed, to place more AEDs throughout the school, or to at least increase training or awareness surrounding cardiac arrest is debatable. But, I believe that LM should be better prepared for immediate health issues that could occur during school, sports, or after school clubs. Preparing for medical emergencies in other school communities poses an even greater challenge. There are many other public schools that don’t have adequate funding for emergency medical situations, such as cardiac arrest. Some schools don’t have CPR certifed staf, nor have as many AEDs as our school. I believe that this problem is therefore not unique to LM, but requires

Another thing is making sure that the money being spent on the schools is not harmful to students or the environment. For instance, instead of spending money on removing the nature on the Oakwell property and replacing it with more sports felds, we can use that money to invest in renewable energy and locally sourced food for school meals. Instead of promoting something harmful to the environment, this said candidate could help lessen the impact of our schools and oversee positive environmental changes that will make a diference in the long run.

Throughout the past three years, LMSD and the surrounding community have sufered many massive losses and changes. Everything from the passing of our former principal Sean Hughes, to the grievances and new policies associated with COVID-19, we need a leader who will unify teachers, students, and the community at large in order to heal. We need someone who listens to teachers and students alike and makes us all feel welcome. Now, more than ever, we must emphasize the importance of communication and relationships. We need someone who will help unify schools in order to strengthen the LMSD community for the success of all students.

Just toss it!

Pick it up, walk a few steps, drop it in the can, walk away. That is the simple process of disposing of trash in the trash can. Unfortunately, many LM students have either forgotten how to do this or are just too careless to take this simple step of human responsibility. Tables cluttered with trash are all too common a sight in the cafeteria, proving students’ disregard for the custodial staf who work tirelessly in order to keep the school clean. One LM custodian remarked, “Treat here like you would your home. You wouldn’t leave trash on the table at home, so don’t do it here.” He also emphasized the importance of building good habits now in order to prepare for a future of self-sufciency. At home, students may throw their clothes on their bedroom foor, leave their shoes in the middle of the living room, or walk around shirtless. However, no one would consider doing such things in school, for it would simply be inappropriate and disrespectful. Likewise, leaving trash on tables or the foor is simply an unacceptable behavior in a school environment. It speaks to a person’s character when they decide to neglect the easy task of disposing of their used plates and empty juice bottles, and rather, leave them on tables or on the foor.

The solution to this problem is simple.

First and foremost, students must take the step to dispose of their own garbage. And, if you happen to notice that a friend has left behind their lunch tray, give them a nudge to throw it in the trash. If they are too obstinate to listen to you or speed of before you can give them a hint, then be the bigger person and throw their garbage away for them. Finally, disciplinary measures ought to be put in place for those who neglect the basic responsibility of throwing away trash. If disrespecting a teacher can be punished, then surely disrespecting the custodial staf by leaving trash on the foor can be punished as well. As a com munity, let us work together to restore proper behavior for the sake of our school, custodial staf, and basic human decency.