CPR Saturday Brings Emergency Skills To The Public

By Tanjua Damon

Newtown was just one of several towns that participated in the annual American Red Cross CPR Saturday, where people learned what to do in case of an emergency.

About 40 people took part in Newtown at three sites – the Newtown Ambulance Garage, Dodgingtown Firehouse and Hawleyville Firehouse on November 17 from 9 am to noon.

The program provides information about the techniques of CPR, emergency priorities and procedures, simple first aid concepts, and how to recognize when an emergency is in progress.

“They are learning life-saving skills. They are learning what to do if a family member, friend, co-worker has a life-threatening emergency such as choking, they’re not breathing, or their heart has stopped,” trainer Kristin Peterson said. “Additionally the training teaches people about signs of someone who is having a heart attack.”

Lisa Chaloux took the class to become recertified because she is a Girl Scout leader at Hawley School and it is requirement.

“I’m the leader of Troop 138, I teach swimming, I have two young children and I have aging parents,” Mrs Chaloux said. “I actually used my {Heimlich maneuver] training from last year two days ago. My mother-in-law was choking. We need it. It’s really scary. It’s even scarier not to have it.”

Many were at the training because they wanted the skills necessary to act effectively when an emergency arises.

“Actually I’ve been wanting to do this for a number of years,” Ken Mackenzie said. “I live in Newtown and it’s convenient and I’m retired. I wanted to become more knowledgeable. I’m at a point in my life where I am mortal and so are other people.”

The students also learned about the defibrillator, which electronically stimulates the heart. The devise dramatically improves the chances of a patient through early intervention is provided. Newtown has defibrillator devices in the ambulances, fire companies, and at Edmond Town Hall. Through a grant from the Meserve Fund, training defibrillators are available so that people can become certified and know how to use a machine. Newtown Ambulance Corps members are trained annually.

“For Junior Girl Scout training, it’s required, and there should always be one leader in the troop who has CPR training,” Ronalee Tefft said. “I was interested in it. It’s something I think I need to know because I’m a parent and being in charge of ten kids.”

There were 20 sites throughout Northwestern Connecticut that took part in the November 17 CPR Saturday.

CPR Saturday will be annual. For more information call (888) CPR-6121.