Red Cross trains 85,000 people each year

As published in the Jefferson County Suburban Journals .

The American Red Cross is here to help our communities prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies. As part of that mission, the St. Louis Area Chapter trains more than 85,600 people in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid each year, including more than 15,300 people in the proper use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Training is essential in preparing for the unexpected and the Red Cross offers a variety of educational opportunities in support of its lifesaving mission. On July 13, Red Cross health and safety team members Ryan Day and Dana Garner were interviewed by KJFF Radio (1400 AM). During the interview, Day and Garner encouraged listeners to make emergency preparedness a personal priority by getting trained through the Jefferson County Service Center, located at 3880 Jeffco Blvd. in Arnold.

Time is critical in life-threatening emergencies. Unless the brain gets oxygen within minutes after breathing stops, brain damage or death will occur. Once breathing stops, the heart will soon stop. Within four to six minutes, brain damage is possible and is likely between six and 10 minutes. Without intervention, irreversible brain damage is certain after 10 minutes. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is vital to getting oxygen to the brain once the heart stops beating. After calling 911 for help, minutes may pass before paramedics are able to respond. Administering CPR during this crucial time can make the difference between life and death, or the quality of the person's life.

Coronary heart disease is responsible for more than 330,000 deaths outside hospital emergency rooms in the United States each year. Unfortunately, less than one-third of those victims receive bystander CPR. Anyone can learn CPR, and the Red Cross is here to help people be ready to save a life by providing top-notch training.

The American Red Cross is always focused on improving training methods to make it easier to learn CPR and other lifesaving skills. Last year, new guidelines for CPR were issued in an ongoing effort to improve the survival rate of those with coronary heart disease. To accomplish this goal, some of the procedures have been simplified.

The St. Louis Area Chapter has implemented a new "practice-while-you-watch" instructional method that allows students to perform skills along with a video, while the classroom instructor provides individual guidance. New participant training materials feature large, color images that take students step-by-step through the skills thy need to respond to a variety of emergency situations. This serves as an excellent reference tool once the training is complete.

To make preparedness as easy as possible, the Red Cross now offers online training that allows participants to study and complete all pre-testing from the comfort of home prior to demonstrating their skills to a certified Red Cross instructor for certification. A variety of class options are sorted by location, date and time and are available for browsing online at www.redcrossstl.org.

In addition to training more than 15,300 people in the proper use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) each year, the Red Cross actively works with individuals, businesses, municipalities and civic organizations to help them purchase and place AEDs. The Red Cross emphasizes personal service for its AED clients, from initial interest to purchase and follow-up. Red Cross experts gauge specific circumstances and guide clients to an AED model that best fits their facility's needs.

AEDs are becoming more affordable and the Red Cross expects this trend to continue. The Red Cross can guide individuals and agencies to various funding resources, including federal grants and sponsorships that are available through partnerships with local businesses. The St. Louis Area Chapter advocates for the increased availability of these lifesaving devices throughout public areas such as businesses, shopping centers, fitness facilities, schools, etc.

The St. Louis Area Chapter features a variety of specialty training courses that include Pet First Aid for Cats and Dogs, Babysitter Training and Instructor Training. Each of these courses is available through the Jefferson County Service Center and is growing in popularity.

Pet First Aid prepares pet owners to respond to life-threatening conditions such as choking and other breathing emergencies, poisoning and exposure to extreme weather conditions. By using dog and cat manikins, the course teaches participants how to perform rescue breathing and CPR skills. Stuffed animals are used to develop First Aid skills by providing hands-on practice in bandaging to control bleeding. The curriculum has been developed in cooperation with the Humane Society of America, and a 100-page textbook is offered as part of the class.

During the summer holiday, many young people will use their free time to seek a summer job. One of the popular choices is babysitting. Every parent hopes to find the perfect babysitter - a responsible individual who has received training in basic childcare, safe play, First Aid and critical emergency action skills. All of these skills are incorporated into Red Cross Babysitter Training, designed for participants at least 11 years old. The course includes a First Aid Kit and a reference book.

Finally, the Red Cross is always in need of volunteer instructors and offers classes designed for comprehensive skill development. Interested individuals must be familiar with basic First Aid and CPR skills and be at least 17 years old.

To learn more about lifesaving training - including CPR, First Aid and AEDs - or to register for a Red Cross health and safety course, the public is encouraged to call the Jefferson County Service Center in Arnold at 636.464.9150 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org.