My son suffered a terrible injury at school, leading to a severe deformity because of a broken arm. What shocked me the most was the lack of immediate medical attention—no paramedics were called, and no first aid was administered. He was simply told to wait for us, his parents, to arrive. This incident has highlighted a critical gap in emergency preparedness in our schools here in the MUSD.

This situation is unfortunately not an isolated incident. It raises major concerns about the capabilities of school staff to handle medical emergencies. In a place where children spend most of their day, shouldn't they be assured of immediate care in the event of unforeseen accidents?

The alarming notion that a child must wait for parents to receive essential medical assistance is troubling. Proper first aid can mean the difference between a full recovery and long-lasting complications. Every school in Manteca should be a place where parents can confidently send their children, knowing that they are equipped not just with educational tools but also the ability to handle emergencies effectively.

We need a district-wide policy that mandates First Aid and CPR training for all school staff who have direct contact with children. The implementation of this training would ensure that our educators are not only imparting knowledge but are also prepared to act swiftly and effectively in case of emergencies.

According to the American Heart Association, effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim's chance of survival, yet only about 46% of cardiac arrest victims get the immediate help they need before professional help arrives. These statistics could apply to any medical emergency, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.

Immediate action is required to prevent further incidents like the one my son experienced. We urge the Manteca Unified School District to adopt this vital policy to ensure the safety of all children in their care. Let’s not wait for another incident to occur before we take necessary preventative steps.

Please join me in urging the Manteca Unified School District to implement mandatory First Aid and CPR training for all school staff. Sign this petition to help ensure our children receive the immediate care they deserve in emergencies.