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For the sixth time this year, the Lebanon Rescue Department sponsored a community CPR/AED/First Aid Program on Saturday May 30, 2009. The training was held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hanson School in Lebanon.

This training was held in conjunction with the York County School Food Associations regular meeting. 15 staff members from six different schools attended the training taught by Chief Samantha J. Cole and Assistant Chief Jason A. Cole.

"These staff members are the ones who are going to be in the cafeterias if our children have an emergency and need help. I think it is great that they would get together as a group and come in on a day off and learn how to save lives. They truly showed how much they care for their students by taking four hours on a beautiful day and coming to learn. They all did a fantastic job and its great to know that if needed, they will be there to help." Chief Samantha Cole added.

Members from the Lebanon, North Berwick, Berwick, Kittery, Sanford and Massabessic Schools attended the training.

So far this year, the Rescue Department has trained about 100 people during their community CPR classes. The rescue members volunteer their time, trying to keep costs down so more people can take the class. In the past few years, rescue personnel have donated about 300 manpower hours teaching community CPR/AED/First Aid classes.

"We have trained about 400 people in the past few years with the many dedicated volunteers with the Lebanon Rescue Department. The more people that are trained in CPR and First Aid, the better the chance for survival. We have also been fortunate to place Automated External Defibrillator's in most of the Town buildings, including both schools, recreational facilities and the new Town Hall. We have taught several classes to the school staff over the past few years and look forward to building on that relationship." Chief Cole added.

The Rescue Department has several CPR classes scheduled, including teaching campground staff members as Lebanon has several large campgrounds. We also will be teaching the Lebanon Recreation Staff at an upcoming class.

If members of the community are interested in learning CPR/AED/First Aid, they can contact Chief Cole at 207-608-5614 as we are trying to schedule a community CPR class again. A community CPR class was held in January which had about 50 members from 15 communities attend.

"Early CPR and having access to AED's greatly improve the chance of survival. The more classes we can teach and get AED's into the community, the more people that will have a better chance of survival." Chief Cole added.

"We are extremely thankful to the community that sends donations to the rescue to help our community education programs like this. The Seacoast Trailriders have helped us over the past few years offer this training to the community by donating to us. Our goal this year is to purchase our own manikins so that we can do more community programs. Currently we rent all of our equipment, since we have done so many classes, we would like to purchase our own." Chief Cole added.

"We also are trying to obtain a few more AED's to be placed in other community gathering areas. We continue to apply for grants and hope to complete this during the next year." Chief Cole added.

Lebanon was one of the first 5 designated Heart Safe Communities in Maine and the first in York County. The department has worked hard to obtain the certification and maintain the programs. For more information on Heart Safe Communities, visit http://www.healthymainepartnerships.org/mcvhp/heart_safe.aspx

Some Information from the Maine Heart Safe Communities:

Cardiovascular events, including Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), Heart Attack and Stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Cardiovascular disease accounts for one in three Maine deaths (33%) and is the leading cause of death in Maine.1 In the U.S., about 335,000 people a year die of coronary heart disease (CHD) without being hospitalized or admitted to an emergency room. That's about half of all deaths from CHD — more than 930 Americans each day. Most of these are sudden deaths caused by cardiac arrest.2

What is Maine Heart Safe Communities?

That is why the Maine Cardiovascular Health Program, and the Maine Emergency Medical Services office have partnered to assist Maine cities and towns in improving the chances that anyone suffering a cardiovascular-related event will have the best possible chance for survival and recovery. HeartSafe Communities is a recognition program based on the "Chain of Survival", which has been implemented in other states and countries to help obtain this goal. Its purpose is to recognize the excellent work being done by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs throughout Maine, and to provide further opportunities to enhance community partnerships, resources and services to improve cardiovascular health, and decrease deaths due to cardiovascular-related events, including SCA, Heart Attack and Stroke.

What does it mean to be a Heart Safe Community?

In order to be designated a Maine HeartSafe Community, applicants must meet certain criteria that help improve cardiovascular health and decrease death and disability associated with cardiovascular events. The criteria are as follows:

The EMS program, and/or their community partners must offer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training to their community members.
The EMS program, and/or their community partners must offer cardiovascular-related education and/or awareness activities in their community.

At least one emergency response designated vehicle must be equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Placement of at least one permanent AED with AED-trained personnel in public or private areas where many people are likely to congregate or be at higher risk for cardiac arrest (such as shopping malls, large employers, airports, etc.).

Advanced Cardiac Life Support is dispatched to all priority medical emergencies, either as primary responders, or as ALS backup. ALS backup may occur on-scene, en-route, or at the hospital Emergency Department.

The EMS program has an ongoing process to evaluate and improve the "Chain of Survival" in their community.

Why is it important for a community to have this designation?

Early recognition of the signs and symptoms associated with Sudden Cardiac Arrest, heart attack and stroke, immediate access to emergency services, and prompt medical treatment are all crucial to prevent future events, save lives and reduce medical costs and disability. Maine HeartSafe Communities designation promotes enhancements to each of these important links, and recognizes a community’s dedication to improving its "Chain of Survival" through partnerships with the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program.

For More Information, please feel free to contact Chief Samantha Cole at (207) 608-5614.