By: Ryan Duey

Photo Courtesy of Canva

Starting in October, Republic County EMS members will be traveling to local communities offering Hands-only CPR and AED community events.

Previously, Levi Whitley, Republic County EMS Director, said they wanted to teach this class so they’re not just sticking AEDs in the community with no one knowing how to use them.

“Republic County Hospital and Republic County EMS received a grant to place AEDs in every one of the communities in our county.”

“With that, we wanted to teach hands-only CPR, AED application, and how to use the PulsePoint app with the AEDs.”

“That way, if there is a cardiac arrest situation, we can get somebody there early because what saves people is early compressions and early shock.”

They will also be providing Stop the Bleed training. Attendees will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly to control it.

The event is free and open to anyone.

“There is no need to sign up. People can just show up to any of the local meetings.”

“It doesn’t have to be the community you live in. For instance, if you live in Cuba, but you can’t make it to Cuba’s meeting, you can go to any other of them.”

“They’re free, and it’s just for information, and to make sure that you’re able to do the skills.”

Whitley did note that these are informational classes only, and no certification is given. 

You can find the day and time of a class near you, along with the AED locations, by visiting the Republic County EMS Facebook page.