Township looks into CPR classes for the public

(by Sean Lehosit, Westside Editor - April 18, 2011)

After several township residents asked  Franklin Township about offering courses for CPR certification, Fire Chief Richard Howard decided to look into it.

While CPR courses must be channeled through the American Red Cross, Howard said he was more than happy to lend their training facilities to such a service.

“We can supply the facilities for a CPR class, but it has to be given by an American Red Cross affiliated trainer, which we have none,” Howard said.

After researching possible courses, Howard presented his findings at the April 14 board of trustees meeting. Howard recommended the “Friends and Family” course, which is a three-hour program, designed toward teaching the basics of CPR. At the cost of $30 per person, the course would include the instructor fee, all materials, and certification cards – which are required to be signed by the Red Cross in order to be valid.

Howard added that, while the American Red Cross was not specific on what the minimum class size should be, the usual class size is between 10-12 individuals. Since the fire department’s training facility is large, Howard said, they could easily accommodate more than a dozen into the class.

“We’ve got a little bit more of a facility, but the more you have, the longer it’s going to take because you all have to process through the CPR portion of it,” Howard said, referring to the use of training mannequins.

Trustee Don Cook asked which class level – the basic course, or a more intensive one – would the fire chief recommend for the public.

“I think for the general public the ‘Friends and Family’ one is going to give you the basics; the more advanced is the things (the fire department) needs to do – the manipulations and stuff like this,” Howard said.

With the “Friends and Family” course, the participating public will learn the basics of what to do in the event that a loved one would suffer a heart attack and how to respond appropriately while waiting for help to arrive. Cook urged to have a course date scheduled in time to announce in the upcoming township newsletter.

Howard further announced that starting on April 25, and running through May 20, the Franklin Township Fire Department will flush hydrants in the township and Valleyview areas. The flushing will be performed Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.


 

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