VIDEO: Huntington Hospital Teaches Kids CPR, Emergency Skills In Hands-On Training

Interactive training at the Huntington Tri-CYA gave kids and teens hands-on experience in CPR and emergency response, hospital staff say.

By Kepherd Daniel, Patch Staff

Apr 22, 2026 6:07 pm EDT | Updated Apr 22, 2026 6:16 pm EDT

Teens practice CPR techniques on training mannequins under the guidance of Huntington Hospital staff during a community training session in Huntington. (Courtesy Northwell Health)

HUNTINGTON, NY — Children and teens across the community got a hands-on introduction to lifesaving skills Tuesday as medical professionals from Huntington Hospital led an interactive First Aid and CPR training at the Huntington Tri-CYA.

The two-hour event, designed for participants ages 5 to 18, aimed to build young kids' and teens' confidence in an emergency.

Attendees rotated through stations where they practiced CPR on mannequins, learned basic first aid techniques, and—especially for younger children—assembled their own take-home emergency kits.

The goal was not just to teach skills, but to make sure participants feel comfortable using them when it matters most.

“This is part of Huntington Hospital’s initiative to be out in the community,” said Jeremiah Mallari, project manager for community relations. “We’re providing training and resources for youth—CPR for older kids and first aid basics for younger ones—so they’re informed and prepared.”

Jessica Sidle, a physician assistant in the hospital’s emergency department, said the program allowed hospital professionals to share potentially life-saving knowledge.

“We have all this knowledge working in the emergency department, but what’s more important is being able to share that knowledge,” Sidle said. “We have a responsibility to bring it to the community and give them the skills and the confidence to use those skills—for their family and for themselves.”

Children and staff from Huntington Hospital gathered at the Huntington Tri-CYA following a hands-on First Aid and CPR training event on April 21. (Courtesy Northwell Health)

Sidle and her team leaned into interactive learning rather. Preteens practiced CPR in a relaxed setting, using familiar songs to maintain rhythm and keep the experience engaging.

“We made it really fun and interactive,” she said. “We let them be themselves, be a little silly, and make it something they’ll actually remember.”

Huntington Hospital physician assistant Jessica Sidle led a small group of children through an interactive emergency response lesson during a First Aid and CPR training at the Huntington Tri-CYA. (Courtesy Northwell Health)

For younger children, the focus was on foundational safety skills— recognizing emergencies, understanding when to seek help, and knowing important contact information.

“One of the most important things is making sure kids know who to call,” Sidle said. “Whether it’s a parent, sibling, or another trusted adult, having those numbers and knowing when to use them is critical.”

Each child built a personal first aid kit to take home, coming away from the day knowing that preparation goes beyond learning techniques.

“CPR—you can never get enough of it, even as an adult,” said Tri CYA Assistant Director, Mairead Kelly. “The more you hear it, the more it sticks.”

The event marked the first time it was held, and organizers said they hope to bring it back—and expand its reach in the future, saying the training can be especially important for children who may find themselves in situations where they need to act independently.

“Some children are home alone, or might have to fend for brothers and sisters, and they will know what to do if something happens," said Tri CYA Director Debbie Rimler. "If the children are alone with an adult, and something happens to that adult, they'll know what to do."