From Static to Strategic: Advancing Emergency Preparedness With Health Literacy and Inclusive, Evidence-Based CPR & First Aid Education

Cardiac arrest and first aid (FA) emergencies are among the leading causes of preventable death in schools. Yet, CPR/FA instruction often remains static and disconnected from the real-world situations students and staff may face. This session reimagines emergency preparedness as an equity-centered, health-literate process rooted in experiential learning and evidence-based instructional design. Participants will explore how to deliver CPR/FA education that goes beyond certification -- fostering confidence, skill transfer, and readiness across diverse school communities. The session introduces low-cost, functional simulations; mastery learning strategies; and culturally responsive teaching tools, including plain-language scripts and visual aids. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to close performance and equity gaps -- ensuring that every student, regardless of background or access, is empowered to act. By embedding real-world emergency readiness into PE, health, and extracurricular programs, educators can cultivate life-saving competence that aligns with SHAPE America’s mission for inclusive, high-quality health and PE.