Esperanza High School Medical Sciences Academy students help save lives through CPR

Esperanza High School is the proud home to the Medical Sciences Academy (MSA), a program that prepares students for a variety of medical careers and a successful transition to colleges and universities. MSA instructors equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for immediate employment, industry certification, and both college and career readiness through real-world experiences.

This year, three Medical Sciences Academy students, Alex and Maya Panahi and Paige Ryan, put their skills and knowledge to use by helping save the life of two individuals through cardiopulmonary resuscitation, otherwise known as CPR.

Remarkably, Alex and Maya provided CPR in April to their grandma who was suffering from a cardiac emergency until the Corona Fire Department arrived on scene. The patient was successfully resuscitated by her grandchildren. The Mayor of the City of Corona even awarded the two Aztecs the “Life Saving Commendation” for their heroic efforts.

Esperanza administrators were made aware of Paige’s heroic actions by a local community member, Terrie, who is the wife of the man, Gary, who collapsed in full cardiac arrest outside of the Ryan household. Here’s what she shared with Principal Jeff Giles:

Mr. Giles:

As an educator I’m sure you have heard your share “What I did over my summer vacation” stories. Well, I have one to share regarding one of your Medical Science Academy students, Paige Ryan, that can top them all, at least in my opinion.

On July 15, 2022, Paige was an integral participant in saving the life of my husband, Gary. On July 15th, Gary left our house to go on a run a little before 6:00 p.m. About 10 minutes later, Gary collapsed on the front lawn of the Ryan residence in full cardiac arrest. Just as another neighbor, Liz, was coming to Gary’s assistance, Paige arrived home. Paige quickly sought the help of her father Sean and coached him through CPR, which he administered for a grueling 8 minutes before paramedics arrived. Though I was not present at this point, Liz, who first saw Gary down, shared with me that Paige demonstrated maturity and poise well beyond her 17 years during the ordeal. Paige’s father also credits his success in administering CPR to Paige’s coaching and encouragement during the process. Though Sean tried several times to get Paige to leave out of fear that a negative outcome would impact her future medical plans, Paige remained determined to provide assistance. Paige demonstrated the true heart of someone destined to be a doctor. The teamwork and quick action between the Paige, Sean and Liz is nothing short of miraculous. If not for them, Gary would likely not be with us today.

A few weeks later, my family was honored to meet Paige and her family and hear their accounting of the events. I feel strongly that her education from the Medical Sciences Academy played an important role in Paige’s ability to remain calm and focused on the patient. I was very pleased to learn of her plans to pursue a medical degree. She will be an asset to the medical field. Likewise, I feel your staff should be commended for providing an advanced medical program to the students in PYLUSD which, as I can attest, has clearly already benefited our community.

—Terrie

The district echoes Terrie’s sentiments: The knowledge and skills that Alex, Maya, and Paige have gained as a part of Esperanza’s Medical Sciences Academy played an integral role in their ability to administer life-saving measures to save the lives of the two individuals.

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District’s CareerLink Academies allow high school students to see the real-world relevance and applicability of their curriculum, gain new industry-specific skills, network with professionals in their area of interest, engage in internships and job training in their fields, and earn credits and certifications that facilitate their transition into collegiate programs of study or the workforce. 

Way to go, Aztecs!