FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Army spouses and civilians learned potentially life-saving skills during a free cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training session April 30 at Bldg. 3705.
The event was held in conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month to encourage good parenting, as well as equip individuals with medical knowledge should emergencies occur, according to Andrea Bowen, New Parent Support Program home visitor.
"It's important because you never know when your loved one will have a life-threatening situation come up," she said.
Course instructor John Jennings, who is also the school liaison officer here, said preventive courses like this one mitigate risk and set people up for success should issues like heart attacks, severe bleeding or broken bones happen suddenly.
"It's about preventing damage," he said. "How do you know when an emergency is going to happen' Be prepared."
This course is one of many provided by installation programs as part of the Army Family Covenant, Jennings noted.
"I'm a believer in the Army Family Covenant," he said. "It's about taking care of (Soldiers and Families)."
Family Advocacy Program funds paid for participants' certification, Bowen noted.
"Especially now with the economy, everyone could save money. (A free class) encourages (people) to try it without the expense," she said.
One individual benefiting from the course was military wife and mother Angela Westra. She attended to learn more first aid techniques and become recertified in CPR, since she hadn't taken the course since high school.
Fellow spouse Brianne Hoover said she participated because CPR certification is a requirement for employment in firefighting, a field she's hoping to enter soon.
She encouraged other Families to seek out courses like this one to learn basic, yet critical skills.
"Everyone needs to stay prepared," Hoover said. "You're not always in a place where you can help yourself or get help for other people."
Installation workshops are also useful networking tools, she added, saying they offer an outlet to meet others with similar interests and goals.
Certification for CPR lasts one year and three years for first aid, Jennings said.
Bowen said she plans to schedule additional CPR classes in the future, but said no dates are set.
The next New Parent Support Program workshop focuses on stress management June 9 and 16 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 5700, Rm. 371G. For more information, call 255-3898.
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