ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, ILL -- Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department supports and maintains a robust CPR and Automated External Defibrillator training program for military and civilian members of the Rock Island Arsenal according to officials at the fire department.
Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Hansen, emergency medical services coordinator, is the point man for the CPR and AED training for the RIA-FD. Organizations and personnel interested in training can contact Hansen at (309) 782-6107. The turnaround for the training is fast and tailored to your requirements. The cost is $6 for the certification card and mouthpiece for the training.
Joe Heim, deputy chief RIA-FD, said, "The training is very beneficial, with great feedback from the students attending. The average class has two students, but can be expanded to 10-15 students."
Instructors are available on all three shifts to facilitate training when requested.
"This ensures the knowledge is spread around," said Heim. "The training has been conducted for Joint Manufacturing and Training Center, Joint Munitions Command, First Army, Army Sustainment Command and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District.
"Time is of the essence during cardiac emergencies and the incompatibilities between the AEDs used between RIA-FD and the rest of Arsenal Island could waste that valuable time," said Rudy Toth, commandant building management office, JMC.
The need for updated AEDs was identified in April during training conducted by the RIA-FD. Toth coordinated the AED buy with Alan Hutson, contract specialist, to purchase 28 LifePak CR Plus AEDs and mounting equipment. This purchase standardized the AEDs between the RIA-FD and the various commands on Arsenal Island.
Brett VanScoy, assistant chief of prevention, said, "Taking action is the most important thing, be it a health emergency, active shooter or fire, make a choice."
VanScoy directs everyone to the website www.heartrescuenow.com. This site contains a "save a life" simulator that gives choices and shows the consequences of those choices during a medical emergency. The training takes 15-20 minutes to complete.
Firefighter/Paramedic Daryle Wood said, "Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification classes will be available in March."
"We plan to be a one stop shop for cardiac focused training," said Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Elrod.
Social Sharing