Youth in Juvenile Treatment Center earn CPR/AED cards

Eleven youth detained at the Juvenile Treatment Center (JTC) in South Lake Tahoe recently received two certifications: American Heart Association Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

This was the first time the course was offered to the youth housed at the facility, and not only did they get these important certifications but they also earned school credits.

“I was impressed with the level of focus and engagement in the material that these young people showed," said volunteer Tony Gasporra, EMS Lieutenant with Lake Valley Fire District. "I hope that the training will resonate with some of the participants to give them the confidence in themselves to pursue a career path they might not have otherwise thought about.”

The course was made possible through the private/public partnerships of the Juvenile Service Council (JSC), Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD), the JTC and the Blue Ridge Court School of El Dorado County.

“This is a great opportunity for our team to reach out to these youth. Our goal is to be able to get as many of our community members trained in CPR,” said LVFPD Battalion Chief Ron Sitton when the project was first proposed.

The eleven youth who are now certified in the life saving techniques were impacted by the program as well.

“You mean we will get a “REAL” CPR card?” said one of the enthusiastic students.

Coordinating the opportunity for this program is an example of the opportunities that the volunteers of the JSC work to make possible with support from donors and grants. To learn more about the Juvenile Service Council, donate, or become a volunteer, please e-mail eldoradojsc@gmail.com.