Red Cross Prepares Everyone with First Aid and CPR Classes

I never thought being a teacher’s aide could be so amazing. This week, I observed a Red Cross CPR/First Aid class, and it was amazing. Liz was a great instructor. She was funny, friendly, and knew the answer to any question asked of her by the 11 students who attended. I not only got to observe the class, but I also became a demonstrator and translator for a Spanish-speaking student. It was such a life changing experience to not only observe the training but also be able to speak with some of the students and get their input on why it’s so important to take these classes. Gregory Elkey of Chicago says, “I’m a parent, and I think all parents should take advantage of these classes because you never know when something could happen, especially when it comes to kids.” You can learn how to be prepared and save a life by joining a class. To sign up go to
www.chicagoredcross.org/takeaclass

Time to Perform CPR on Mad Men…

In preparation for last night’s Season 4 opener, I took some time to recap the past few seasons of Mad Men. I realized that more often than not, Red Cross training could have helped these intriguing characters as they found themselves in unusual and sometimes ridiculous situations. (BEWARE: If you aren’t caught up on Mad Men there are SPOILERS in this!)

Let’s begin with Season 1 - audiences are introduced to Helen Bishop, a divorcee with two children who is new to the Ossining neighborhood. Betty Draper, being the good neighbor that she is, kindly agrees to help Helen by babysitting her young son. Unfortunately for Betty, things went terribly wrong. I’m sure Betty wishes she would have enrolled in our Babysitter's Bootcamp before taking on this endeavor where she would have learned about the importance of leadership and professionalism; safety and safe play; and first aid.

Still looking at Season 1, Roger Sterling, a partner and known womanizer at Sterling and Cooper, is up late partying with his co-worker Don Draper and suffers a massive heart attack. Don Draper must have been kicking himself and thinking, "If only I had taken a CPR/AED training course, I would have the lifesaving skills needed to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and use an automated external defibrillator (AED)."

You don’t even want to get me started on last season, when Lois decided to take a John Deere tractor around the office for a joy ride. If Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce had provided First Aid training to their employees, they all would have been prepared to provide emergency assistance to the poor guy who lost his foot.

This really got me thinking - although accidents like these are far and few between, they may occur and I know that when they do, I have the training necessary to respond.

posted by: Rachael Garcia, Resource Development

After a Fire in Rogers Park, Rich is on the Scene

Yesterday, our disaster action team volunteer Rich Arons responded to a fire in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Pictured here, he’s assessing the damage from the fire. Soggy, torn-out insides from a Chicagoan’s home lay at his feet. You can tell from his gear that Rich knows what to expect at a fire. A truly dedicated volunteer, Rich recently received a pin recognizing 50 years of service to the Red Cross. In the past year alone, Rich responded to 48 local disasters with the Red Cross. He goes to help. He is there to stand by people as they go through what could be the worst day of their lives. At this fire, Rich helped give two people immediate Red Cross relief for food and clothing. Thank you, Rich, for all you do!

To learn more about how you can help local disaster victims, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/donate.

Sidewalks with a Side of Eggs Please

Believe it or not, Tom Skilling says Friday might be the hottest day of the year so far. Get ready, Chitown!

Have you ever heard the saying that "its hot enough to cook an egg on the sidewalk?” Of course you have, who hasn’t? “How many kids, hearing it, actually try? Most likely they end up with a mess resembling scrambled eggs more than one sunny-side up. So what’s the problem? An egg needs a temperature of 158°F to become firm. In order to cook, proteins in the egg must denature (modify), then coagulate, and that won’t happen until the temperature rises enough to start and maintain the process.” Temperatures on the sidewalk only get to around 145°F. The experts say a car hood would be the best conductor of heat—but we certainly wouldn’t recommend it!

Well Chicagoans will get the opportunity to test that theory by the end of the week as forecasters predict some scorchers in the upper nineties. Regardless, if you plan to go out and buy a dozen eggs or stay inside, here are some tips that will keep you safe.

• Drink plenty of water. And avoid caffeine and alcohol which will dehydrate you.
• Stay in the shade when possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do so during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit (F) within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill in minutes.

Other cool tips can be found at www.chicagoredcross.org/heatwave

For those who want omelets, visit http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/friedegg.html

-Erica Liss is an intern with the American Red Cross. She has a culinary background but has never fried an egg on a sidewalk. Yet.

Show your dog how much you REALLY love them...

Chicago loves their dogs. We're undoubtedly one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. Along with our dog bakeries, dog beaches, dog boutiques, dog daycare - I read today that O'Hare and Midway now have doggie restrooms!

Well, it should be no surprise to you that in a city that is filled with so many dogs, that the Red Cross is there to share the love. We offer Pet First Aid and CPR courses so you can be prepared when you need to be. Topics covered include: How and when to call for emergency assistance for an injured pet; understanding what is 'normal' for a pet; identifying signals of breathing emergencies, such as choking, and how to provide care….and more! As a dog owner myself, this was definitely a “must-do” on my list – I learned a lot, and rarely head out on long-walks without our first aid kit!

-Erica Barraca, Graphic Designer, Marketing & Communications

Lessons From a Fire

Photo by H. Tillis.

This past weekend Chicago Tribune reporter William Hageman published a story documenting his life after an electrical fire destroyed his home. You can check out his story here.

While I hope you never have to go through the trauma of a fire in your home like the Hageman family, preparing can ease your mind. But, how do you prepare for a fire? Learn to Be Red Cross Ready!

What were the first things that Bill and his family needed after the fire? Food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene items, important documents, and emotional support all made his list.

Getting a KIT is a great way to account for a good number of these needs - and happens to be Step 1 in becoming Red Cross Ready. Just take a simple backpack and start packing it with emergency supplies. Add some non-perishable foods, a few bottles of water, an extra toothbrush and hair comb, a few days worth of clothes, and a copy of your home insurance policy. You can even add a list of emergency contacts so you know how to get a hold of friends and family who can provide you with some emotional support. Check out our entire list of kit items at www.chicagoredcross.org/ready.

Step 2 is to Make a Plan. Talk to everyone in your household. Choose a place to go in the event of a fire, and make sure everyone knows it. Practice makes perfect – so try testing out the plan every 6 months. Oh, and don’t forget to include your pets in the plan!

Finally, Be Informed. Find out what disasters can occur in your community, and how local authorities will let you know a disaster is happening. The more you know, the more prepared you will be!

And remember, the American Red Cross is here to help! If you are affected by a disaster like a fire, give us a call at 312.729.6100. We can provide you with your immediate needs – food, shelter, clothing, and emotional support - to get you through the first 48 hours.

These safety tips are brought to you by the local Red Cross program, Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/firesafety.

How the Red Cross Can Prepare You for Evil Robot Attacks

Photo of Transformers filming in Chicago by Ifmuth.

I must admit that, even though I realize consciously that it’s fake, I was jolted into disaster mode just by looking at the pictures of the Transformers' movie sets on Michigan Avenue today. Piles of destroyed cars and upturned asphalt—all that wreckage would certainly make for a big humanitarian disaster! If that were to happen, the Greater Chicago Red Cross would be on the scene. Whether it’s a natural disaster or an act of terrorism (by giant robots), the Red Cross is there to help. So, in case of an attack of killer robots, here’s how I think we might pitch in, and how you could help, too:

Learn First Aid: When you get hit by a laser or your car is crushed by a giant robot fist, injuries are going to happen. Be ready to help by learning first aid! Learning how to distinguish minor injuries from major ones can save a life. You’ll learn how to put a splint on a broken bone, treat cuts and burns and prevent further injury.

Become a Volunteer: The Transformers would certainly throw our city into chaos. But Red Cross volunteers are trained to deal with highly stressful situations and to help people cope with disasters. Your condo building is set on fire by evil robots? Our volunteers will be there to make sure you have food, clothing and shelter. We do the same for regular people in Chicagoland every day.

Make a Disaster Supply Kit: If you need to leave town because, well, the Transformers are wreaking havoc, it’s good to have a kit to grab and go. Put important items in there, and a little cash, since the Transformers have knocked out the power and the ATMs aren’t going to work. Check out more items you should put in your kit here.

So what do you think? How would you react if the Transformers REALLY came to town?

-Kristin Claes is a writer with the American Red Cross. Though she grew up in the 80s and watched Transformers, she was way more into She-Ra and He-Man. So forgive any gaps in her understanding about how the Transformers work or what they want. All she knows is that they’re big and scary.

Clara Barton Was One Brave Lady

Clara Barton was the humanitarian rock star of the 19th century. A compassionate, hard-working, visionary woman, she was a pioneer in serving members of the military and their families.

Until last night, I knew way too little about her. Like many third graders who have studied her for book reports, I knew that Barton founded the American Red Cross and cared for wounded soldiers on the battlefields of the Civil War. But while watching History Detectives on PBS, I learned that Barton was a pioneer in serving members of the military and their families during times of conflict.

Historians explained the depth of Barton’s commitment: She assisted battlefield doctors in the most gruesome conditions, bravely helping with amputations when no one else could stomach it. Single handedly, she began collecting supplies like socks and bandages for soldiers—one of her first relief efforts. She watched in horror as thousands of soldiers were buried in unmarked graves, and their families were simply left to wonder. Inspired to help, Barton began administering a list of missing soldiers, which helped families locate their loved ones or find closure. She received more than 150 letters each day from families of missing soldiers, or those who had answers.

The History Detectives episode centers on one of these letters and a single soldier and his fate. Today, local volunteers in Chicagoland educate members of the military and their spouses and parents about Red Cross services during deployment. Today, if a soldier’s family needs to alert her about a death, birth or other important news, they make a single call to the American Red Cross.

The episode is available here online. To learn more about our Red Cross services to members of the military today, and to learn how you can help, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/saf

Has the Red Cross ever helped your family? We'd love to hear about it in the comments! Or, tell us which famous lady you did book reports on as a kid :)

-Kristin Claes is a writer for the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. She also doesn't have cable, so finding something worth watching on PBS made her day.

Sizzling Weather is Taking Over Chicago

The sweltering sun has been beaming on Chicagoans lately, with the past three days each being over 90 degrees. Today Chicago got a “break” (or a sad excuse for a break) with temperatures in the upper eighties. The hot weather was even too much for our streets as the pavement on Lake Shore Drive deteriorated due to the extreme heat! If our solid pavement is crumbling, how are we supposed to stay standing? These extremely hot weather conditions can be dangerous to your health if you’re not taking the right precautions and measures to remain healthy and maintain cool body temperatures. Hot-weather-hater Matthew Maloney stated, “I can’t handle this extreme heat. The best way I stay out of it is staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, and venturing out after 4:00pm when the sun starts going down. If I have to be outside during that prime time I enjoy complaining how hot it is.” Another Chicagoan, JoAnn Neenan, stated “I nanny every day, and yesterday I told the kids we can’t go to the park because if is over 90 degrees out people start melting. Alright, I’ll tell them tomorrow I was kidding… but I can’t take them to the park when it is like this out!” Don’t worry JoAnn and Matt, we have tips to get you through this!
We all have heard about drinking plenty of water and wearing light colored and light weight clothing, but there are more safety tips that will help you keep cool on these scorching hot days. Be sure to wear sunscreen on days that are cloudy, because the sun may be even stronger when it’s pushing through the clouds. Eating small meals of carbohydrates, salads, and fruit and eating more often is a way to prevent heat-related illnesses and keep your body fueled. So before you look into moving to Moscow to escape this heat, do your best to try and stay cool in our wonderful Chicago. For a heat safety checklist or for more safety tips concerning our unwanted heat wave, visit chicagoredcross.org/heatwave.

-By Jeannie Andresen, Marketing and Communications Intern at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago.

Evanston Fire Displaces Dozens of Men

When the American Red Cross was told that dozens of men were displaced by a fire at the YMCA where they lived late in the evening on July 3rd; volunteers quickly opened a shelter. We made sure that these men had a cool place to sleep, special needs were met (those in wheelchairs needed certain accommodations to be comfortable overnight) and that they had the comforts they needed to make their time away from home bearable.

What level of importance would you assign to things like having a cool place to sleep on a hot summer day and being able to brush your teeth, see kind faces and eat nutritious meals-when you're forced to be away from home?

I’m not sure what I expected when I arrived at the shelter but I can tell you it wasn’t what I found. I’m often surprised by the people I meet on disasters and this group was no different.

They were all colors, shapes, sizes and ages-in all manner of dress from business suits to workout clothes. Some sat quietly reading books or working on laptops, others slept on Red Cross cots in the gym and many gathered in small groups, talking and waiting for news about their home.

Muhammed, an entrepreneur, told me he was launching a new business; although he was evacuated from his residence he grabbed his briefcase, coffee samples and brochures about his product on the way out; he shared these things with me when he found out I was a coffee lover. Then there was Joseph, he had worked in telecom in D.C. for several years; in fact he was there during 9-11 and we talked about the Red Cross and how we helped and how surreal that whole day was; he told me about having to walk 8 miles home that day because all public transportation had been closed. He relocated to Chicago, moved into a 3-bedroom home and worked for a large business development and consulting firm-until recently when the economy started to tumble. He lost his job and home and ultimately moved into the YMCA while searching for new employment. Joseph said, “this fire, it’s just a temporary setback. I’m glad it’s July 4th and not January 4th; the cold would be a whole different story. It’s a beautiful day, we had a place to sleep, friendly people to care for us and good food. We’re doing just fine.”

Martha Carlos is the Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications at the American
Red Cross of Greater Chicago, carlosm@usa.redcross.org

Heat Island!

Have you ever heard of "Urban Heat Island"? When the term was first introduced to me, I thought it was a new reality show... turns out, it's an actual side effect of living in a city, like Chicago!
Heat Island effect is the result of high concentrations of asphalt parking lots, buildings, and roads. These areas absorb more daytime heat and radiate more nighttime heat than rural areas, becoming gigantic slow-burning furnaces. This phenomenon means there's a lot less cooling at night and it can be hotter during the day.

So, if you've got outdoor plans this summer in the city, like visiting the Taste of Chicago, be prepared! When Heat Island effect happens, it can increase the risk of heat-related medical emergencies. Drink plenty of water and get out of the heat when you can.
Another fun fact: Men are more likely to develop heat-related illnesses than women!
This is because, on average, men sweat more than women and so, loose water faster.
To learn more about how to stay safe in the summer heat, sign up for a Community Disaster Education "Heat Wave" class with the American Red Cross and have a great, safe summer!

Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces at the Jesse Brown Stand Down Event

My name is Lucas Centeno and I am an intern with the Chicago Red Cross in their Services to the Armed Forces division. When I was serving in the U.S. Army the Red Cross helped me when I was overseas, and my mother called the Red Cross to get a hold of me because my father was ill. The Red Cross did an amazing job of keeping me and my Commander up to speed with my dad’s condition, and it was an amazing relief for my mom to know that she could get a hold of me thanks to the Red Cross. I personally thank them too.

The Services to the Armed Forces division of the Red Cross offers Armed Forces members and their families services in pre and post deployment readiness, as well as counseling and communications for emergency situations.

I was so happy to attend my first event with the Red Cross, helping local homeless veterans. From the moment I walked in the door I was on the go non-stop with the nearly 50 volunteers and staff from the Red Cross. We helped to put up tents for the different stations, as well as preparing and serving food, and distributing clothing to the 150 veterans who attended. I felt like I was back in basic training but without a drill sergeant hollering in my face. We also helped to serve food to the 150 homeless veterans.

I got to work for an hour with Cindy Price, a local volunteer with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. She is the most amazing person you could ever meet. I shared my stories of Iraq and the military with her. Though she was tired and doing three thousand things at once she took the time to tell me in an interview about what she does and why she loves the Red Cross.

Not only did we at the Red Cross make a difference to those veterans in need but I also got to know so many amazing volunteers and staff from the Chicago Red Cross. I am so honored and blessed to be working with the Chicago Red Cross and their SAF division. There are more upcoming events that the Red Cross SAF will be directly involved with and I will definitely keep you posted.

4th of July

According to the NFPA more fires are reported on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year. What is the cause? Fireworks. So think twice before you try to launch fireworks at your celebration! Even consumer fireworks cause thousands of people to become injured each year.

Here are a few things to remember this 4th of July...

• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Don’t attempt to hold your own fireworks display.


• Check your local newspaper to find out about the public fireworks displayed in your community. This is the safest way to enjoy fireworks. These events are run by trained professionals.


• Keep children away from fireworks. Even after a fireworks display, children should not touch any remains of the fireworks. They may still be active.


• Consumer fireworks like sparklers can emit a temperature of up to 1200ْ F. So use caution! Keep sparklers away from your face and skin.

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

These fire facts are brought to you by Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/tfs or www.redcross.org/homefires!


Sources: American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association

This Same Message is also Broadcast to Enemy Forces

Why respect international humanitarian law? "It’s good for you whoever you are. The perpetrator is damaged, not just the victim.”

One of eight remarkable classmates said this last night in the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law class I attended at the Chicago Chapter. The class, at no cost to the student, teaches participants about the body of rules and principles that seeks to save lives and alleviate suffering during armed conflict.

My discussion partner for group exercises was a vibrant and dynamic man from the Sudan. Together, we grappled with questions like, “What is dignity?” and “Do you think it makes sense to have laws that limit suffering in armed conflict?” and “Does a certain level of violence have to occur for it to be considered an armed conflict?”

In trying to formulate answers, my classmates and I were reminded of the duties and privileges that come with being human. We gained a new appreciation for the power of neutrality and its ability to create accountability without violence.

Those engaged in wars and armed conflicts are fighting for something. And when the fighting ends, the best we can hope for is that the “something” can be rebuilt on a foundation that is comprised of solid things – goodness, respect, dignity, the humane, innocence.

Even my classmates were careful to respect one another and the constructive nature of the class. They would caveat answers to complex questions with phrases like, “If you set aside whether war is an allowable and acceptable action…” or “Though I recognize that I have the luxury of turning the conflict off with my remote, I think…”

Yes, I learned a lot in the class last night about the Geneva Conventions, the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross and a long, relentless process to adapt humanitarian law to keep up with people’s clever ways of working around it. As our facilitator aptly pointed out, “The law has to change all the time because people want to kill each other and find loopholes to do it.”

But I also witnessed my classmates protect one another’s dignity, and I witnessed our facilitator gracefully admit that we don’t know the answers to many of the questions raised in this tricky business of preserving humanity. Even tweeters who virtually participated, played nice and weighed in respectfully.

We watched several brief videos that are used to educate combatants about the laws that govern humanitarianism during war. They broadcast ideas like, “True fighters will treat wounded opponents with respect and compassion.”

All videos ended the same way, though. “This same message is also broadcast to enemy forces.”

A difficult-to-swallow, but good ending, don’t you think? The reminder that we are all united on one thing, at least -- suffering.

- By Jackie Mitchell, American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, @your_mssunshine

It’s a WHALE of a Time!

W.H.A.L.E. stands for Water Habits Are Learned Early and Longfellow’s W.H.A.L.E. Tales is the American Red Cross’ water safety program for kids. In the past few months, AmeriCorps members have taught thousands of elementary school children about the importance of being safe in, on and around the water.

The kids have been really excited to talk about water safety and all of the swimming they will do this summer! The course emphasizes that whether it is swimming at a pool, Lake Michigan, Six Flags, Wisconsin Dells or any other body of water, everyone should always swim with a buddy in a supervised area. Swimming with a buddy is a lot safer and a lot more fun! Next, the kids learn about all of the different things that a lifeguard does to keep them safe. This gets them to a great activity where they pretend to swim in the classroom and the instructor blows the whistle to test how quickly they stop, look and listen to the “lifeguard.” Initially, it usually takes 3 to 5 whistle blows for everyone to stop. They are reminded that it should only take one and they do it again until they get to one. This can be a mix of kids going too far and jumping on the floor or kids not moving much at all.

With posters in hand, AmeriCorps members test the kids’ knowledge on the basics of pool safety. Kids discuss what rules are and why we follow them. This is a great way to get them thinking about safety and taking it seriously. After that, pointing out safety issues is easy and exciting. Students point out that it is unsafe to run on the pool deck and that we should never dunk someone under water. When asked if it is okay to push someone into the water, the response is usually an adorably loud “no!” They also learn to Look Before You Leap. In this section, students find various safety hazards that could be lurking in the water, especially in lakes, oceans and rivers. As they search the poster, they find jellyfish, stingrays, eels, crabs, sea urchins, rocks, broken glass and an anchor. They also learn about what a current is and to stay out of the water if it is strong. This information is very important, especially in light of recent incidents.

One of the kids’ favorite parts of the class is trying on life jackets. Students demonstrate how to put them on and talk about when they should wear them. They are put into scenarios where someone is drowning and someone else has to save them. They learn how to throw a rope and how to pull someone to safety. Again, there is an emphatic “no” when asked if they should stand up in a boat.

Then the best part comes at the end: coloring books!

Red Cross First Aid Class Helped a Hit Bicyclist

During the summer, DJ Barraca rides his bike to get to work in Chicago. As part of his usual routine, DJ leaves home with two bags, one of which includes his American Red Cross first aid kit. One morning, while DJ was on his way to work, one of his bags got stuck on the front part of his bicycle. He attempted to fix his bags at a stop sign when a semi-truck pulled up in front of him. “I was in this very uncomfortable position, and I ended up crashing into the truck” DJ recalls. “I was very close to work, and I didn’t know how serious my injuries were, until I got to work and I saw my face full of blood” DJ says. Fortunately, he had taken one of the First Aid classes offered by the American Red Cross, and he was prepared with his Red Cross first aid kit. Thanks to what he had learned in class and his first aid kit, DJ was able to tend his injuries, and avoid infection. DJ was safe, his injuries healed, and now more than ever he realizes the importance of being prepared.


DJ is an excellent example of why it is important for bicyclists to be prepared in case of an accident. Knowing how to tend to an injury, whether it’s only a scratch, a cut or just a bruise can make a difference. DJ’s accident is one of many that happen in Chicago. The American Red Cross encourages bicyclists to take a First Aid class, and be prepared to act in case any accident happens when on the road.


For more information visit http://www.chicagoredcross.org/

“Nothing Is Better Than Giving of Yourself”

Today, long time Red Cross volunteer Nellie Brennan will receive her 55 years of service pin at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Disaster Action Teams’ volunteer celebration. Nellie is an amazing, vivacious volunteer who has served the Red Cross through a number of disasters.

“I’ve been north for the Minnesota floods, out west with the Oklahoma City bombing, south for ice storms in southern states, in Puerto Rico for Hurricane Floyd, the north east during 9/11, and at the Notre Dame Convent Haiti shelter in Chicago…” This is just the tip of the iceberg for all Nellie has done with the Red Cross.

Nellie started volunteering in 1951 because she “always wanted to help people, and take care of people.” She introduced her kids to volunteering when they were young since it was such an important part of her life. “We made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the flood workers in the Quad Cities on the Mississippi.” Nellie has willingly volunteered for every type of disaster from floods to fires to serving as a case worker and mental health expert during the after shocks of 9/11.

In our conversation yesterday, I asked her why she volunteered, and why she believes others should volunteer. “For the sound satisfaction to know they are helping people, because there are so many people less fortunate than us that have gone through such horrendous problems. They need the support from people that have this yearning to help people…it’s a self satisfying endeavor. Nothing is better than giving of yourself.”

At the age of 79, there is no end in sight for Nellie’s passion for volunteering. “I never feel or think of my age…I feel more like I’m in my 50’s and can do things of people in their 40’s…on the bus, people stand up and give me their seats, and I think ‘why are they doing that?’ I just don’t see myself as an age.”

Nellie plans on taking a few classes offered by the Red Cross this month, and is still on the list of people to be deployed should a disaster arise. She is ecstatic to be receiving her pin tonight and is so pleased of how proud her boys will be.

After talking with her, I felt rejuvenated. This woman has given so much of her time to helping others and is an inspiration to everyone she talks to.

How to Celebrate National CPR/AED Week

As we welcome summer back for another year we must remember to be proactive in summer safety. Here at the Red Cross we take safety very seriously. Whether you choose to celebrate summer by a pool, or on a running trail, we hope that you take advantage of our educational course.

The Red Cross offers an online CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillation) class. This online version offers the convenience of learning in your own home and setting your own pace .

In lieu of National CPR/AED week the Red Cross of Chicago is offering a discount on their popular CPR class. Just visit our website at www.chicagoredcross.org/takeaclass and enter the code: CPRAEDWEEK to receive 15% off the cost.

Lightning and Fire Safety

This past Memorial Day, lightning is the suspect for starting 3 fires in suburban Chicago. And, according to the NFPA lightning caused an average of 31,400 fires annually from 2002 – 2005. So, what can you do to make your home safer during a storm?

If the lights go out, use a flashlight - not a candle. Candles can flip over, drip, or catch something that is flammable and start a fire. Try to keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy in case you need the extra light!

Unplug or turn off appliances and other electrical items, like computers, and air conditioners. Keep computers connected to surge protectors, so in case the power does turn off suddenly, your electrical equipment is better protected.

Avoid electrical equipment and telephones during an active lightning storm. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.

Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.

Avoid washing your hands, bathing, doing laundry, or washing dishes during an active lightning storm. Plumbing and water can become a conductor, so proceed with caution during a storm!

If a person is struck by lightning be sure to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number for help. Anyone who has sustained a lightning strike requires professional medical care. Check the person for burns and other injuries. If the person has stopped breathing, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR. If the person is breathing normally, look for other possible injuries and care for them as necessary. People who have been struck by lightning do not retain an electrical charge and can be handled safely.

Fire safety tips are brought to you by Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/tfs or www.redcross.org/homefires!

Sources: American Red Cross and www.nfpa.org.

Take a Class in Honor of National CPR/AED Awareness Week!

The sun is shining and the birds are chirping which means one thing…it’s National CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillation) Awareness Week! According to the American Heart Association, effective bystander CPR when provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double a victim’s chance of survival. The American Red Cross offers a wide range of CPR/AED training classes that will prepare you for emergency situations. So, brush up on your disco and get ready to rock chest compressions to “Stayin’ Alive” while learning how to save a life.

The Red Cross not only offers courses on learning life saving skills; it also offers courses on how to teach others these vital skills. Last week, I stopped by a “Lay Responder First Aid and CPR/AED Instructor” class. The people participating not only were already Red Cross certified, but they were becoming certified to teach others. I walked into the room, where a man named Jason was practicing teaching the first steps for Emergency Assistance. I sat down at a big conference table that was so littered with pamphlets, instructor’s binders, and practice mannequins you could hardly see the surface. The first thing that ran through my mind was, “Wow. These people are investing quite a bit of time to learn all this information in order to teach it to others.”

Jason’s fellow participants in the class acted as his students, and he instructed them in tandem with a video. After he was done, the instructor and group gave him feedback on ways to improve and what they thought he nailed. Jason works at St. Augustine College teaching a variety of classes. When I asked him why he was here taking an instructor’s course today, he responded with, “[The college] needed an English speaking instructor for the students, and I was more than willing to become certified.” Kudos to him and his fellow participants for taking on the job of teaching others how to become Red Cross certified.

Sign up for a class this week, and get 15% off the course fee in honor of CPR/AED Awareness Week! Head to www.chicagoredcross.org/takeaclass and enter coupon code: CPRAEDWEEK!

Have you already taken a class? Then tell us, have you ever used your training in your day-to-day life? We’d love to hear any stories you have! Have an excellent CPR/AED Awareness Week!