First Aid Class’ first lesson: Keep them breathing

EMERGENCY INFORMATION COUNCIL

The initial Emergency Information Council’s (EIC) First Aid class was held on March 1. Paramedic and firefighter Marc Woodward emphasized the importance of “keeping them breathing.” Whether a heart attack, stroke, allergic reaction or accident the priority is to keep the person breathing. With short American Heart Association videos and many personal stories Woodward kept the instruction interesting and engaging.

“The First Aid Class was very informative. It re-informed my current knowledge and I learned a lot” said Mutual 2 resident Kathryn Mavar.

Additional first aid classes are planned for March 15 and 29. CPR classes are scheduled for March 22 and April 5.

The EIC has partnered with Woodward, owner of Prime CPR Services, to provide hands-on training with real life exercises and simulations that provide a realistic learning experience.

The first aid class starts with the basics and includes what to do for medical emergencies, injuries and environmental emergencies. The CPR class includes performing highquality CPR alone and with others, how to use an AED and how to help a choking victim.

All residents are invited to sign up. The classes are on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon in Clubhouse 3, Room 3. There is a limit of 12 students per class with a minimum of 10 students. The fee for each class is $40. Students who want a related Red Cross certification card must pay an additional fee. Call EIC President Jackie Dunagan at 562-431-7479 to RSVP for a class.