New EMT Program Student at Archbishop McCarthy High School Saves a Life

Barry University’s EMT program has always aimed to make a real difference in the community, and it’s already showing results in remarkable ways. In a new partnership with Archbishop McCarthy High School, the program recently celebrated an incredible achievement—just two weeks after starting the course, a 17-year-old student used his newly acquired CPR skills to save a life.

On September 14th, Juan Carlos “JC” Ricardo Menendez, a senior at Archbishop McCarthy, was visiting his best friend when tragedy struck. His friend’s father collapsed suddenly, and in that crucial moment, JC sprang into action. Having learned CPR only one week prior in his EMT class, JC performed strong and rapid chest compressions while his friend called 911. Thanks to his swift response, help arrived within six minutes as Southwest Ranches Fire Rescue took over and transported the man to a nearby hospital. The father survived the heart attack and was discharged a few days later, fully recovered.

JC’s life-saving actions earned him a Hero of Life award, presented by Barry University’s EMT and Fire Program Director Frank Galgano, and EMT High School Coordinator Peter Bernstein. His CPR instructor, Michael Sica, was also honored with a Hero Award for Dedication to Teaching. “JC’s actions are the perfect example of why we bring EMT programs to high schools,” said Frank Galgano. “It’s about making an impact on the well-being of our community.”

The Archbishop McCarthy EMT program, newly launched in partnership with Barry University, is just one of the eight in-house EMT programs hosted at high schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Over 420 students are currently enrolled in these programs, learning the skills to become firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. With more than 200 high school seniors participating each year, Barry’s EMT program plans to expand to more schools, continuing its mission to train the next generation of first responders.

Barry University is proud of JC’s bravery and looks forward to seeing more students make a difference in their communities through this valuable program.

For more on JC’s story, check out the full news report here