Public Invited to Learn First Aid in Mass Training March 12

AREA (February 22, 2008) – The American Red Cross Colonial Crossroads Chapter will host a special community mass First Aid training course in Springfield on Wednesday, March 12 from 5:45 – 9:45 p.m. at the Sarah Bailey Civic Center (30 Church Mall Road). The event, which can train up to 100 people, is part of the chapter’s Red Cross Month special events.

"The Red Cross wants the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life," said Rhonda Zampetti, health and safety director of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter. "It can take emergency personnel minutes to arrive on scene. For some, that may be too late. By learning basic skills, you can go from being a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control and help someone during an emergency."

The community mass First Aid training course will teach basic care for injuries or sudden illnesses until advanced medical care can be provided. Topics include handling emergency situations, basic disease transmission precautions, recognizing and caring for bleeding, wounds, and immobilizing muscle, bone and joint injuries. The course meets OSHA guidelines for first aid but does not include information on breathing or cardiac emergencies.

In celebration of Red Cross Month, the course fee will be discounted 50 percent to $20 per person. Registration and advance payment are required. For more information or to register, call (908) 273-2076 ext. 22 or visit www.ccnjredcross.org.