Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Red Cross Chapter conducted its second class in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Automated External Defibrillator and First Aid, resulting in the certification of five volunteers.

The graduates are Jason Foster, Nikeeta Seeram, Maria Robinson, Isolina Aguirre and Cynthia Montefusco.

The eight-hour CPR/AED/First Aid course was conducted by FA/CPR/AED Instructors Judy Nye, Mike Nye and Kathy Kirkconnell.

The newest emergency techniques from the American Red Cross are taught and demonstrated in the courses. The course seeks to help participants identify and eliminate potentially hazardous conditions in their environment, recognize emergencies, and make appropriate decisions for first aid care.

The course teaches the knowledge and skills that individuals in schools, communities and workplaces need to know to give immediate help to an ill or injured person until more advanced medical care arrives at the scene.

All individuals who take the course will learn about adult, child and infant Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths that helps to circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs until another trained responder or AED arrives.

Participants also learn how to use the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a life-saving device that analyzes the heart’s electrical rhythm and, if necessary, prompts the responder to deliver a shock to someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

In addition, participants learn to administer basic First Aid. The class demonstrates treatment of soft tissue injuries (lacerations, burns, animal bites, etc.); injuries to muscles, bones and joints (sprains, breaks, etc.); the onset of sudden illnesses or conditions (fainting, diabetic emergency, seizures, strokes, anaphylaxis, choking, etc.), and heat and cold related emergencies.

Currently the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Chapter is conducting CPR/AED/First Aid training to Year 11 students at the Brac High School and recently gave an informational lecture to the Cayman Brac Cadet Corps on providing First Aid.

FYI

Classes will be offered approximately once a month and are open to the public. Check the local newspapers or call the Red Cross Chapter at 322-2622 for the training schedule and/or to sign-up for a course.

Be prepared

There are five actions that every organization, individual and family should take to better prepare for an emergency.

GET TRAINED. Participate in the CPR/AED/First Aid training classes conducted on Cayman Brac. Classes are $25 per person, which covers the cost of books and materials.

MAKE A PLAN. Everyone should design a Family Disaster Plan. If you need help with your kit contact our Red Cross Chapter for assistance.

BUILD A DISASTER KIT. Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your home and workplace. The kit should contain items you may need if you are (1) confined to your home or place of work for an extended period of time, or (2) told to evacuate or go to a shelter on short notice.

VOLUNTEER. Give of your time by joining the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Red Cross Chapter.

DONATE BLOOD. Become a regular and frequent donor at Faith Hospital to ensure an adequate blood supply for the Cayman Islands.