Heartsaver Class Given to New Meadows Library and City Employees
A Heartsaver Class recently took place at Meadows Valley Public Library. The class was for library and city employees. The first session, on April 9, was taught by FF/EMT LeAndra Smith. Five students and I showed up to learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and about the AED (Automated external defibrillator). We learned how to deal with someone in the event they become unresponsive. That means that they don’t respond nor are breathing. We learned how and when to react and call for help. LeAndra also showed us how to react differently for adults, children and infants.
Even without taking the class you can help. For adults, the most important thing to do is call 911. Next, if you do nothing else, do chest compressions. Use both hands on top of each other on the person’s breastbone and push down at least 2 inches, in time to the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. If this is all you do until help arrives, you could save someone’s life. For children, air is more important. Use only one hand for compressions and give two breaths every 30 compressions. For infants, do the same but with smaller breaths and only use two fingers for compressions. Doing something is better than doing nothing.
A second session was on the next Tuesday, April 16. On this day, we learned First Aid, taught by FF/EMT Johnny Brown Jr. We were instructed on different bites and stings and how to administer an epipen in case of allergic reactions. We were educated about how to recognize signs of stroke, about heat and cold related emergencies and what to do during and after a seizure. We were informed about shock, bleeding, eye injuries, amputations and poisoning. We learned how to tell if someone might have a concussion, how to splint an arm and treat a burn. It was a lot to take in but I feel much better prepared and knowledgeable.
Johnny informed us that the most important thing to do when coming upon an accident is make sure the scene is safe for you personally. You can’t help if you become the one needing help.
If you’d like to have a class for your business or group contact MVRFD at (208) 347-3190.
