Mikey Young at Heart app a hit with Toronto teens

The Mikey Network's new Young at Heart app is helping youth feel more confident about performing CPR and using a defibrillator, in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. In such emergencies, the window of opportunity for resuscitation is only minutes, and these procedures can increase the odds of survival by up to 75 per cent. Through the Young at Heart program, a free app is available to help high school students earn volunteer hours by learning these life-saving skills.

R.H. King Academy Grade-10 students Michelle O’Connor and Brianna Kinnaird are two of the first teens to test the app.

“It’s so easy,” O’Connor says. “You just watch the videos and take the quizzes to earn hours. I knew about CPR from life-guarding, but the video clarified everything by explaining why you do each step.”

Kinnaird, who has a Bronze Cross in lifesaving skills, agrees. “The app refreshed my memory about CPR, and as for using a Mikey defibrillator, the machine talks you through the process. If the person doesn’t need a shock, nothing bad will happen. Knowing that is a big plus.”

“The app takes the mystery out of using a Mikey,” O’Connor adds. “It’s very clear on what to do when.” The girls also love the fact that they can keep track of all of their volunteer hours on the app. “It’s so handy,” Michelle says. “Instead of trying to remember the hours and get them down on paper, you just enter them as you complete them. It’s very clear how many hours you have and how many more you need.”

“You’d be surprised how many students are scrambling to earn hours,” Kinnaird points out. “The Mikey app is a great way to do it. Being able to keep track of my hours on the app is so much better than scribbling them onto pieces of paper that might get lost. Plus, it’s fun.”

O’Connor sums it up with, “This is learning with a real purpose. It’s awesome to think someday we might save someone’s life.”

Since Heathwood Homes and The Heron Group of Companies established The Mikey Network as a registered charity in 2003, more than 1,890 Mikeys have been placed, and to date, 28 lives have been saved because a Mikey was on hand. Visit mikenetwork.com to register or donate to The Mikey Network, or download the free app to your smart phone, tablet or computer via the Apple Store or Google Play.