On Sunday, April 25, 2021 the Chestertown VFC hosted CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training and refresher for our members.

This training is imperative and always invaluable. In the world of emergency services, we never know when we will be called upon to help someone who is not breathing, is without a pulse, or is choking. In addition to the knowledge imparted, members were presented with the opportunity to practice the manual skills of providing CPR, the application and use of an AED, and how to assist someone who is choking.

Once CPR & AED training had concluded, our members were invited to review those EMS units active in our immediate area. We were shown where equipment is carried, and how to operate the gurney / stretcher system. We often work with these agencies, and are frequently called upon to retrieve equipment, supplies, or the stretcher. EMS transport units that came to our station include the Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad, Kent County EMS, and Queen Annes County EMS. Our appreciation extended to these organizations.

Many thanks to “Keep The Beat CPR & First Aid Training” of Stevensville, Queen Annes County. They came to our fire station and provided this important training opportunity.

The Chestertown VFC promotes training in CPR for all civilians. History and experience have shown when someone collapses and is in cardiac arrest, the immediate administration of CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions will double, even triple, the patients chances for survival. Additionally, immediate access to an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) has proven extremely beneficial to the patient’s survival and recovery. The AED acts to reverse fibrillation of the heart, where the muscles in the heart are quivering, and not acting in unison to ensure blood supply to the body and brain. A shock from an AED causes a “reset” where the heart muscle function is restored.

Many people are frightened of an AED, believing they will harm the patient if they don’t do it right. Not to worry. AEDs are built with fail-safe options that prevent the administration of a shock to a patient where it’s not necessary. The machine will not let you administer a shock!

Therefore, we urge local businesses, even private citizens (they are available to the layperson), to obtain an AED and keep it immediately available in a prominent, highly visible location. Here at the Chestertown VFC, we carry AED’s on our equipment. Our public AED is mounted to the wall just outside our Banquet Hall, where it’s available to all, regardless of your training and experience.

The life you may save could be your own, or someone you love!