CLEARFIELD – Learning basic first aid and CPR/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can quite possibly mean the difference between life and death for someone suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) or other medical emergency. The Clearfield-Jefferson Red Cross advises that being able to administer first aid and CPR/AED during the first few minutes of a medical emergency is crucial to the survival and recovery of a victim. Having these skills allows you to become a vital first responder when help is needed.
The Red Cross wants the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life. At least one person in every household and on every office floor should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED. On average, it takes emergency personnel 12 minutes to arrive on scene. For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing that may be too late. By learning simple rescue skills, you can go from a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control help someone during an emergency.
First aid and CPR/AED are commonly taught to everyday people who may be the only ones able to respond during the crucial first few minutes of an accident or medical emergency. Nearly everyone is capable of learning and becoming certified in first aid and CPR/AED. The training gives the average person the knowledge and skills essential to lessen the effect of injury or sudden illness and helps sustain life until professional responders arrive.
Each year, roughly one million people in the United States suffer from SCA – almost half will die as a result. Being able to perform CPR or use an AED early on is crucial in preventing brain damage and will greatly increase a victim’s odds for survival.
First aid and CPR/AED can not only be used when SCA strikes, but can also help save victims of drowning, electrocution, accidental poisoning, suffocation, drug overdose and more.
The most effective way to learn first aid and CPR/AED is to participate in hands-on training courses taught by a certified Red Cross instructor. While quick-overview videos and courses help you to become familiar with safety training; attending certification courses under the supervision of a qualified instructor is the best way to obtain the skills and confidence needed to successfully perform first aid and CPR/AED. And, in order to remain confident and keep skills current, it is recommended that you attend refresher courses and be re-certified yearly.
The Red Cross offers thorough and flexible training programs, which help you prepare for emergencies and life-threatening situations. Courses are available for administering help to infants, children and adults, as well as, for fulfilling training requirements for workplaces, and for professional rescuers.
You can have the power to save a life.
Clearfield Area United Way is holding a February Basket Raffle to benefit the Clearfield-Jefferson Red Cross and Clearfield United Way. One winner will be drawn every day in the month of February and a Bonus Basket will be drawn on February 29. Tickets are $25.00 and available at the Clearfield and Brookville Red Cross offices 765-5516 or 849-2712 and Clearfield United Way office 765-6521.
The 2008 Punxsutawney Phils are available at both Clearfield and Jefferson Red Cross offices, Reed Brothers Tool & Equipment Rental in Clearfield and Dubois, Miller Brothers Furniture in Punxsutawney, and Curwensville True Value for a donation of $6.00.
Health & Safety Classes:
Adult CPR – Clearfield –February 6, 2008
Brookville – February 13, 2008
Punxsutawney – February 11, 2008
Infant Child CPR – February 7, 2008
First Aid – Clearfield – February 21, 2008
Brookville – February 14, 2008
Punxsutawney – February 12, 2008
All of the above classes begin at 6:00 pm. Call 765-5516 to register in Clearfield or 849-2712 to register in Brookville & Punxsutawney.
CPR for the Professional Rescuer course is scheduled for February 2, 2008 at the Clearfield office. The class begins at 9:00AM. Call the office to register.
Several classes are scheduled for April 4, 5 and 6 at our I-80 Emergency Services Training Weekend.
For more information on these classes, or to register, please call 814-765-5516 or 814-849-2712 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Or you can e-mail us at esd@clearfieldjeffersonredcross.org
Visit the Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter web site at www.clearfieldjeffersonredcross.org for all the local Red Cross news.
Clearfield Bloodmobile Schedule
Fri. Feb. 01 Fixed Site 12:00 – 6:00
Mon. Feb. 11 Curwensville Civic Center 12:00 – 6:00
Mon. Feb. 11 Lock Haven University – Clearfield 10:00-4:00
Fri. Feb. 15 Fixed Site 12:00 – 6:00
Wed. Feb. 20 Karthaus Fire Hall 1:00 – 7:00
Thurs. Feb. 21 Penn Dot 9:00 – 3:00
Fri. Feb. 22 Clearfield Co. Career & Tech. Center 8:45 – 2:00
Jefferson Bloodmobile Schedule
Tuesday, Jan 29 St. Mary’s Church-Reynoldsville 1PM-7PM
Wed, Feb 6 Brockway-Site to be announced Noon -6pm
Friday, Feb 8 War Memorial-Big Run Noon-5:30 PM
Thur. Feb 14 Evangelical United Methodist Church-Brookville Noon -6PM
Tue. Feb 19 Saints Cosmos & Damian-Punxsutawney Noon-6PM
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
By supporting the American Red Cross you provide the vital funds necessary to support all of our core services Checks may be sent to Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter, 1100 S. Second St. Suite 2, Clearfield, Pa 16830, or Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter, 275 Main St., Brookville, Pa 15825.
VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
Red Cross is a United Way and United Fund Participating Agency and an RSVP Station.