Date: Fri 29-May-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Police-CPR-training

Full Text:

Police Hone Their CPR Skills

(with cut)

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Town police have taken a training course in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

(CPR) to provide them with a basic life-saving technique used when a person's

lungs or heart stops working.

On May 22 and May 15, police either learned the latest version of CPR or

refreshed their knowledge of it at classes held at the Newtown Volunteer

Ambulance Corps building.

Police received training in CPR for infants, children and adults from

ambulance corps staff members. The training provided to police was more

extensive than CPR training provided to laymen, said Deborah Aubin, the corps'

training officer.

Police viewed segments of a videotape sponsored by the American Red Cross

after which classroom instructors drilled them in the subject matter. Police

then practiced the techniques discussed.

CPR is the use of artificial ventilation and manual heart compression to

circulate blood through the body when there is no sign of breathing or a

pulse, Ms Aubin explained.

The training provided to police involved the use of two-man teams for CPR, as

well as the use of a ventilation bladder which forces air into the lungs.

Although it may seem simple, when CPR is given to a victim for a length of

time, it can become strenuous for the rescuer, requiring that two-man teams be

used to lessen the physical stress of providing CPR.

Performing CPR quickly after a victim has been found without a pulse or

breathing provides the best chance for resuscitation and survival.

The videotape used in the course graphically demonstrates the interaction

between three of the body's primary physiological systems -- respiratory,

cardiovascular and nervous.

So that the officers can protect their own health when performing CPR, they

are equipped with protective latex gloves and a reusable plastic face shield

through which air can be forced into a victim's lungs.

Police Chief James E. Lysaght, Jr, said the CPR course to police officers

brings them up to current certification requirements for performing the

life-saving technique.

"It's all part of preparing our officers to better serve the public," Chief

Lysaght said of the CPR program.

Police have CPR and MRT (medical response technician) training when they

graduate from the municipal police training academy. The CPR training provided

to the police by the ambulance corps brings the officers up to date on CPR

training.

Police will be taking a course in first aid and will be carrying personal

first aid cases in the trunks of patrol cars, Chief Lysaght said.

Police have worked cooperatively with the ambulance corps and the town's

several volunteer fire departments to provide enhanced emergency services to

the public, Chief Lysaght said. The chief complimented the ambulance corps and

firefighters for their cooperation with police.

The ambulance corps will offer its next CPR training course to the general

public on Wednesday, June 10, and Friday, June 12. The course runs from 6 to

10 pm each night. There is a $25 fee. Members of the public may register for

the course by calling 270-4380.