CPR techniques demonstrated

NORFOLK — On Saturday, Dec. 3,  during the Norfolk Holiday Farmer’s Market at Battell Chapel, members Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance were on hand to give CPR demonstrations. 

“We just want to give people the skills to last until the ambulance can get there,” said EMT and Norfolk Ambulance Safety Officer Grant Mudge. “There are just two important steps. One: call 911 to get the ambulance on its way. Two: start chest compressions to provide blood and nutrients to the brain.” 

Both Mudge and John Fernandez, Norfolk ambulance driver and EMR, then showed the proper way to administer those compressions. 

“You need to feel for the sternum, go about two inches up and use the heel of your palms to give compressions at least two inches deep, aiming for 100 to 120 compressions per minute,” Mudge said. “It helps to keep the Bee Gees song ‘Stayin’ Alive’ in your head to keep a rhythm.” He even had the song cued up to play as people executed their compressions on the CPR dummy, named “Rescue Annie.”

The Norfolk Ambulance is one of the few in the state that is still sponsored by the Lions Club’s annual appeal. “In the 1950s, most ambulances were sponsored by the Lions Club that way, but it’s just not the way it is anymore,” said Mudge. “We are completely volunteer-run and survive purely on donations.” 

The newest ambulance alone cost $200,000. 

“The vehicles have about a ten-year lifespan, and being that ours is three years old, we’re already saving for the next one.” 

The ambulance serves Norfolk, Colebrook and Winchester. It also provides mutual aid to Winsted, North Canaan and Falls Village. Members work closely with the Norfolk Fire Department.

Norfolk EMT representative Suzanne Hinman encouraged people to join the ambulance squad. 

“We always try to have three people on call 24/7,” she said. “There’s no minimum amount of hours you have to give to become involved.” 

Mudge added, “Training that people take is incredibly comprehensive, so you don’t need prior knowledge.”

For more information on the Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance, go to www.norfolkambulance.com.