The concept for this project was one I had with a friend over the past year. We found that people had so many questions when we responded to their emergency that we couldn’t always answer. So in this course we would not only teach people how to recognize and respond to medical emergencies and save a life, but also give time and space to ask questions of first responders.
I was able to partner with a local first aid training organization who donated the space and equipment, and a medical supplier who was able to provide supplies for first aid kits. Our local harm reduction team provided narcan kits and other resources. With this support I was able to teach basic CPR, bleeding control, and narcan administration. I was also able to provide 36 participants with kits and 12 participants with additional trauma care supplies.
I advertised the class for free on social media, primarily Facebook. People signed up for specific dates via a Google form and I was able to accommodate everyone who wanted to participate. This first class had six participants including three high school aged youth. I have another session scheduled for later this week and will continue to hold sessions as my schedule allows until the supplies run out!
The feedback from participants so far is that they feel more confident in reacting to emergency situations, and they appreciated the space to ask questions outside of a formal program. As you can see in the pictures they also had some fun learning new skills!
