A highly successful CPR training night sponsored by the local First Aid Squad has led to another community training event in November, Councilman Brian Boms announced at Thursday’s meeting of the Mayor and Council.
Since the squad responded to four CPR calls and four critical cardiac calls over the past eight weeks, Boms said, squad members agreed the public could be better served if more people had emergency training. They planned the course and offered it at no cost to those signing up. Thirty residents took advantage of the opportunity, Boms said. He also noted those who successfully passed the class could receive the certification card for a small fee.
The November special course will be on Bleeding Control, the councilman continued, instructing in the proper use of a tourniquet.
“Not only is our first aid squad so generous with their time in answering emergency calls,” Boms said, “but offering these classes also extends the possibilities of saving a life when someone on scene knows what to do before EMS can get there.” He added that “in emergency situations, knowing how and where to stop the bleeding can often make be the difference between life and death.”
An additional advantage of offering the programs give some residents the incentive to recognize how they could be helpful and possibly sign up to be a squad member or future EMS/EMT. “Our squad is doing everything possible to build up membership and I think these classes are a great way to help,” Boms said, “I congratulate them for all they do for our residents, and I commend them for taking on these extra steps in addition to answering all emergency calls.”
In addition, members of the Squad completed a high level training class in Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support ( PHTLS ) and members are attending another high-level class in Active Shooter training ( TECC )Tactical Emergency Casualty Care. Other near term training for the squad is pediatric emergencies.  Squad members will also be participating in the NJ State mandated refresher training three Saturdays in October.  The refresher courses are in airway, medial and trauma specialties.
