Fire Rescue launches new training programs

St. Johns County Fire Rescue Public Education and Information Officer Jeremy Robshaw reported to Historic City News that the county is launching a new program aimed at training residents in the skills needed to perform basic CPR and First Aid as well as operate an AED in an Emergency situation.

HeartSaver CPR training, which is authorized by the American Heart Association, will be taught by Fire Rescue staff through their newly launched AHA approved and recognized Training Center.

“If more people had CPR training,” Robshaw said, “the number of individuals who die from sudden cardiac arrest could be dramatically reduced.”

“CPR is therapy that anyone can do to save a life, and this training is something the county is pleased to offer as a learning opportunity to our residents” says Robshaw.

Classes offered through the AHA Training Center will include “Heartsaver CPR”, “Heartsaver AED” and “Heartsaver First Aid”.

This is a modular course that teaches rescuers how to recognize and treat life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac arrest and chocking for adult, child and infant victims.

The Heartsaver AED course teaches the basic techniques of adult CPR and use of an AED. Child AED and infant/child CPR may also be taught as part of this class.

The Heartsaver First Aid course teaches rescuers to effectively recognize and treat emergencies in the critical first minutes until EMS personnel arrive. The Heartsaver First Aid course provides a complete health and safety training solution for first aid, adult CPR and AED. Optional modules include infant CPR and environmental emergencies.

The Trianing Center will also offer advanced courses for healthcare professionals.

All community based classes will be held at the Administration Building located at 3657 Gaines Road in St. Augustine.

Classes will be limited to the first 20 participants, with a minimum class size of 5. In the event less than five participants are signed up, the training will be rescheduled or class tuition will be refunded. Off site classes are available for large groups on a case by case basis depending on instructor availability and can be requested by contacting the Training Coordinator at (904) 209-1759.