By Claudia Rufo—For the North Star Reporter
A North Attleborough High School alumni has launched a new program to offer CPR training to first responders in Kenya.
Allison Darling, who has worked as an EMT for two years, started The Heartbeat Initiative as an extension of her recent time in Kenya as a certified EMT. She has studied and worked abroad in Paris, France, and hopes to someday work with Médecins Sans Frontières.
The initiative’s goal is to train the first responders in CPR and other necessary practices and provide better equipment. Darling added that The Heartbeat Initiative will partner with local hospitals, the Kenya Red Cross, and the Kenya Ministry of Health in Kisumu County to teach in-person classes.
Darling said she saw firsthand in Kenya how people were dying because of the inefficient response time and lack of training among health care professionals.
“The moment that changed everything was watching a 24-year-old man die in the emergency room because no one at the scene knew CPR. I stood there, an EMT, trained to respond, helpless, knowing that just a few minutes of early intervention could have saved his life,” she said. “That was the moment I realized the true cost of unpreparedness. From that day, I promised myself that I would do anything I could to prevent death due to a lack of training.”
She recounted the resilience and dedication among the Kenyan health care workers, but noted that there was still uncertainty about their training. Darling said how fortunate she is to live in a country where health care workers are adequately trained and prepared to help patients.
“We are the minority, the lucky, and because of that, it is our duty to try to help,” she said.
Darling explained that those the organization trains can continue the work. Moreover, the skills and tools can be implemented in hospitals, making them standard procedures.
“Watching the idea grow from a personal vision into a collective mission, seeing people — both in Kenya and here at home — believe in this cause and want to be part of it has been incredibly motivating,”said Darling.
Darling hopes to get the Heartbeat Initiative enough recognition to achieve non-profit status. Further, a long-term goal is to expand to other countries in need.
“Being prepared is the best way to serve my community, and lifesaving skills aren’t just for medical professionals,” said Lead Community Health Worker (CHP) Fredrick Misach in Kisumu, Kenya, “they’re for everyone on the frontline. As a community health worker, every life I touch matters. Also, empowering communities with lifesaving skills saves one household member at a time. CPR training helps me serve my community better, knowing that I’m not just a health worker, I’m a guardian of life.”
Two separate fundraising campaigns have been started, one with a goal of raising $9,000 for equipment and another with a goal of $25,000 for training. Darling reminds the public that, “people can help by donating, sharing our story, or sponsoring training materials, notebooks, or meals for trainees. Even small gestures, like spreading awareness, help us reach more communities.”
Darling said she is grateful for the positive responses she has received, and is excited to continue to gathering more supporters dedicated to making a difference.
“This project only works because people care, because they see themselves in the stories we tell,” she added. “The community in Kenya provides the heart; the global community helps it beat stronger.”
To donate or learn more about the Heartbeat Initiative, visit https://heartbeatinitiative.betterworld.org/.