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Sisters Today
By the People, for the People
Sisters Students Earn Life-Saving CPR and First-Aid Certification
All eighth-graders at Sisters Middle School complete intensive training program
Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am
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A vibrant visual representation of the life-saving CPR training that empowered students at Sisters Middle School.Sisters TodayAll eighth-grade students at Sisters Middle School in Oregon received CPR and first-aid certification after completing a weeklong intensive training course offered in their health classes. The program was spearheaded by local community member Wyatt Woods, who was inspired to bring the training to the school district after taking a CPR class himself and learning about the high survival rates in areas where residents are widely trained in life-saving skills.
Why it matters
This type of comprehensive CPR and first-aid training for middle school students is the first of its kind in Oregon, and could serve as a model for other school districts looking to empower their students with critical life-saving skills. The training not only provides the students with practical knowledge to potentially save lives, but also opens up job opportunities for them in fields like lifeguarding and babysitting.
The details
The training was led by Tracy Trotter, a local paramedic and firefighter with 23 years of experience, who owns the Sisters-based Northwest Medical Training company. Over the course of the week, 108 eighth-grade students learned how to recognize cardiac arrest and breathing emergencies, practiced CPR compressions on manikins, and trained with devices like EpiPens and Narcan. Trotter praised the students' engagement and enthusiasm throughout the program.
- The training took place during the week of April 6-10, 2026.
- The program is expected to continue in future years at Sisters Middle School.
The players
Wyatt Woods
A local community member in Sisters who spearheaded the idea to bring CPR and first-aid training to the middle school after taking a class himself and seeing its potential impact.
Tracy Trotter
A paramedic and firefighter with 23 years of experience who owns the local Northwest Medical Training company and led the certification program for the eighth-grade students.
Justin Nicklous
The principal at Sisters Middle School who was enthusiastic about turning Woods' proposal into a reality for this year's eighth-grade class.
Abby deSmet
The health teacher at Sisters Middle School who worked closely with Nicklous and Trotter to schedule and implement the training program.
Curt Scholl
The superintendent of the Sisters School District who was equally excited and enthusiastic about the CPR and first-aid training proposal.
What they’re saying
“I signed up for [a class] at Sisters Park and Rec...Tracy Trotter was teaching the class from Northwest Medical Training. My main agenda was preparing myself in my own household.”
— Wyatt Woods, Local community member
“One summer day, while home with my older brothers, I put several gumballs in my mouth at once and began choking. I lost consciousness on the living room floor. [One of my brothers] performed abdominal thrusts, dislodged the gum, and I began breathing again. His quick action and training saved my life.”
— Tracy Trotter, Paramedic and firefighter
“There's a couple important reasons for [offering the class], and one of them is it gives them a lifelong skill that we hope that they never have to use, right?”
— Justin Nicklous, Principal, Sisters Middle School
“Teaching this group of eighth graders has been an absolute joy. While this age can sometimes be challenging to engage, I haven't encountered a single student who wasn't attentive, curious, and willing to participate. They ask thoughtful questions, actively engage in the training, and often express genuine gratitude as they leave each day. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with them.”
— Tracy Trotter, Paramedic and firefighter
What’s next
Based on the success of this year's program, the Sisters Middle School is hoping to continue offering the CPR and first-aid certification training for eighth-grade students in the years to come.
The takeaway
This comprehensive life-saving skills training for middle schoolers is a pioneering program in Oregon that could serve as a model for other school districts looking to empower their students with practical knowledge and certifications that could open up job opportunities and potentially save lives in emergency situations.
