We all know when an emergency strikes 911 is the number to call, but in more rural communities, service can take longer.
“At times, it can take up to 20 minutes to get there. If somebody can be on the scene within a couple minutes from the community and start CPR, put a tourniquet on, or any sort of bleed control, minutes count,” said Mobile Medical Response operations manager and paramedic Daniel Mosholder.
When time is ticking the difference between life-or-death looms in the balance.
That’s why Mobile Medical Response has been hosting classes throughout northern Michigan that train people on CPR, bleed control, choking response and more.
The classes have already garnered success with two students putting to use what was learned from a previous class.
“One of those situations was for an unresponsive person, and that bystander new what to do before paramedics got there, just in terms of how to position the patient, getting them on their side so they don’t choke and cause airway concern,” said Mosholder. “The other situation was a choking individual out in the public, and that person was actually able to provide the Heimlich maneuver successfully before EMS got there.”
Lead trainer for the Mobile Medical Responses “First On The Scene” course said there are a few things she’s noticed people need to know in basic emergency situations.
“CPR is a huge one, stopping the bleeds is another big one. The success story we had with the abdominal thrust, that’s another big one. Simple things that people can do just at any moment, CPR definitely being the number one thing,” said EMT Kaitlin Kubiskey.
It’s time to ask yourself the tough questions, in case of an emergency do you know CPR? can you stop a gushing bleed? do you know what to do if someone is choking?
If the answer is no, it’s time to learn.
“So, our next class in in Arcadia at the Arcadia Township Hall, February 28,” said Mosholder.
The ‘First On The Scene’ emergency training class is free of charge and provides a completion certification.
To register for the class email mdukarski@mobilemedical.org
You can also visit the Mobile Medical Response Facebook Page