Our new Friends and Family CPR training class is up and running full out. This program was started to train Columbia County residents in CPR techniques. There are three instructors; Linda Bickel, RN, David Bickel, Lt. with the CCFR and Cody Bertram, Firefighter with the CCFR. These three donate their time to train citizens in CPR once a month.

While the first classes were held at the Ft. White Community Education Center (located behind the Ft. White Fire Station). We have had several other classes at the Lake Shore Hospital Administrative Complex's classroom. The classes continue to be a rousing success. Students learn Adult and Pediatric CPR, choking relief and scene security. Using mannikins, a CPR breathing mask and AED (automatic external defribilator) trainers, they learn proper CPR techniques with and without the masks. They also learn different methods of helping a choking victim, the differences between adult, children 1-8 year of age and then pediatric emergency scenarios, and making sure the scene is safe to work in based on different scenarios.

Scenarios range from electrical power lines down, person down in traffic, baby choking at home, child down in the park, etc. Questions are taken from the students and the instructors are very thorough in answering, making sure the person totally understands all possible options.

The instructors stated they give their time because they want the unresponsive patient to have the best chance of survival. With our rural area, brain damage may have already started by the time first responders can get to the scene. If someone on scene was aware of CPR and would start that as soon as the patient went down, odds are the patient would have a better chance of survival. They said they give their time so that one life might be saved.

We applaud their efforts and appreciate their time. We hope that every citizen will take advantage of these free classes. As soon as we are aware of the date and location of the next class we will put it as the last sentence in this article. Please check our website frequently for news updates and training possibilities.

For questions or to sign up please call Lt. Bickel at 386.288.7408

The Gateway Challenge

Several firefighters have gotten together and come up with "The Gateway Challenge" which will be held on October 9th, 2010 starting at 10:00 AM. This is a one day, two person team event that will benefit the local non-profit group, Dream Machine. The Dream Machine collects money and gifts throughout the year and gives them to less fortunate children at Christmas time.

All Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Corrections and Military personnel are welcome to compete in the challenge. For rules and regulations you can e-mail us at gatewaychallenge@gmail.com. Entry fee is $15.00 per person. All teams must be two person. Everyone is invited to come out and watch. Admission is $7.00 for adults with children 10 and under getting in free.

Concession stand will be open for food, drinks and snack purchases. Sorry, no food or drink can be brought in. Entertainment will consist of live music and other various activities for adults and children of all ages. This is our first year. We hope it is a great success so that we can continue to bring these types activities for years to come. We are very excited about this opportunity to help the community and have good fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

The winners will receive a trophy that they will be able to display at their department and bring back to defend it and their title again the next year. This should be an exciting event and we hope the public comes out to watch some of the training that we go through on a regular basis and also to support us and the Dream Machine. Following are the course details:

Course Details

Stage One-"Highrise Carry". Each competitor picks up a highrise pack (1 section of 3" hose coupled together with another section) places it on the shoulder of their choice and begins to climb approximately 75 stadium style steps. At the top, turn left and proceed apprxomately 75 feet. Turn back down approximately 75 steps to the bottom. At the end, set the packs down and proceed to Stage Two.

Stage Two-"Tire Flip". The male teams will have a large tire approximately 400 pounds which they will flip together approximately 25'. The female teams will use a smaller tire. Once the tire has reached the line go to the next stage.

Stage Three-"The Cop Wall". This will consist of a six foot wooden wall which each competitor will advance over with no ropes or handles. Once both competitors have cleared the wall, they go to the next stage.

Stage Four-"The Pipe Crawl". This is a pipe, approximately 24" in diameter that is ten feet long, then a 90 degree turn and then ten more feet. Both competitors enter from the front and continue through to the end. Once both competitors have cleared the pipe, they go on to Stage Five.

Stage Five-"Hose Pull". Both competitors will place on their shoulders, a 50 foot section of 3" hose that is connected to an approximately 300 pound sled. The sled will be pulled 100 feet. Once the sled clears the finish line the event is over.

All times will be judged and recorded by the same field judge. All times will start as soon as the first member of the team touches the highrise pack and will end as soon as that team's sled crosses the finish line. If you have any questions at all, please send them to gatewaychallenge@gmail.com. Stay safe on your job and good luck on the challenge!

 

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