Boys, 9 and 10, show mom how to perform CPR and help save infant

Posted on March 18, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

By Erin McClam, Staff Writer, NBC News - Click HERE for video of story.

A Georgia mother says her infant son is alive today because of two neighborhood boys, ages 9 and 10, who showed her how to perform CPR when the 12-week-old baby suddenly stopped breathing.

Susanna Rohm, who lives in Marietta, told NBC affiliate WXIA in Atlanta she noticed something was “off” about her young son, Isaiah, on the frightening day last week. The boy had stopped responding to her and gone limp; when Rohm put her finger under his nose, she realized he wasn’t breathing.

She ran outside and yelled for someone to call 911, and two boys who were playing football, 9-year-old Rocky Hurt and 10-year-old Ethan Wilson, rushed to help her. Rohm says she was panicking, splashing water on the baby’s face and trying to do CPR.

The boys stopped her.

“I told her to push on the baby’s chest five to 10 times with only two fingers, tilt back the baby’s head, plug the baby’s nose and breathe into the baby’s mouth,” Rocky told WXIA.

Rohm says the boy said it so confidently that she listened to him right away. Within seconds, the baby began screaming.

“I told her that’s a good sign because the baby’s breathing,” Rocky said.

Paramedics arrived a short time later. Rohm told another Atlanta TV station, WAGA, that the baby spent two nights in the hospital, was diagnosed with sleep apnea and is being watched by doctors.

According to WAGA, the scare happened last Monday.

Rohm said she had never met the boys before, who live near her in Marietta, which is outside of Atlanta.

The boys say they learned CPR from posters in the cafeteria at their school, Sedalia Park Elementary.

“We just wanted to know just in case it happened,” Ethan said, “but we never knew that we’d have to do that.”

This is just one story on how with even a little bit of knowledge, you can save someones life!  Why not get trained as a family – check out our NEW Online Family First Aid & CPR course.  

This online course prepares you to care for adult, child, and infant family members and others during a medical emergency until advanced medical personnel take over. This self-paced and highly interactive course includes lessons on how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries to muscles, bones and joints, sudden illness, soft tissue injuries and environmental emergencies. Customize the course to your needs and interests

– take the lessons in any order and at any time — you will have unlimited access to the course for two years.

PLEASE NOTE: This course does not provide certification.

  • Use the coupon FAMILY0313 and get $5 off until 3/31/13.  Click HERE to sign up today!

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Special New Year Offers on American Red Cross Courses and Products

Posted on January 4, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Each year, nearly 4 million people learn how to save a life in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training classes. To get a jump start on your New Year’s resolutions you can take advantage of special offers now through January 31, 2013.

First Aid and CPR/AED Training
People can save 20 percent on the price of a First Aid and CPR/AED course. Participants learn how to perform CPR and use an AED, what to do if someone is choking, and how to prevent and respond to other emergencies. How to control bleeding as well as how to care for seizures and other sudden illnesses are also covered.

Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training helps meet OSHA standards and professional licensure requirements. Courses are offered in traditional classroom and blended learning formats. Blending learning is a combination of online learning and a shorter in-person skills session. The course fee includes a 2-year certification with online skill refreshers and digital materials.

People can call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to redcross.org/takeaclass for course schedules and to register. Use HOLIDAY0113 as the coupon code to receive the 20 percent discount.

Lifesaving training courses can make a great gift for new parents, caregivers and those who need to refresh their skills. People can register loved ones by calling 1-800-REDCROSS and selecting Health and Safety training from the menu options.

Health and Safety Products

The Red Cross is also offering 20 percent off the price of First Aid Kits and other emergency preparedness items available at redcrossstore.org. Use the HOLIDAY0113 coupon code to receive the 20 percent discount.

These special offers on training and products cannot be combined with other discounts.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

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Finding a sitter requires some creative searching

Posted on December 11, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
Written by Jennifer Hogeland For Press-Gazette Media

As the holidays approach, and the invitations to parties pour in, parents must start their search for a sitter. If grandparents aren’t available to watch your little ones for that gotta-go-to bash, it’s necessary to enlist the help of a babysitter.

Finding just the right person to care for your children is no small task. The first challenge is finding a willing and capable teen. Then, before leaving your little darlings in his or her hands, there are several things you should discuss to be sure both of you will be happy with the arrangement.

Area experts offered suggestions on finding and interviewing potential babysitters before your night out on the town.

Finding the right match

Keep an eye open for responsible teens. Unfortunately, there isn’t a magical list of certified and interested babysitters available from area organizations or the American Red Cross, so parents have to get creative.

Sara Weier oversees the babysitter training program for the American Red Cross in Wisconsin and she explains the best way to find potential babysitters is by reaching out to neighbors or community organizations.

“We tell potential babysitters to connect with neighborhood associations, churches and to talk with parents and other babysitters to make their interest in babysitting known,” says Weier.

Word of mouth is key, suggests Yvonne Duffek, an American Red Cross certified babysitting instructor. Babysitters are told not to put their information on public boards; students are encouraged to hand out personalized business cards to trusted adults that could assist with their job search. So, ask around. Chances are friends and neighbors have a name or two to share.

Several websites have also popped up in recent years as a resource for parents searching for sitters in the area. Sites like sittercity.com and care.com provide a list of babysitters by zip code. You need to create an account and there may be fees for the information you seek. Peruse the detailed profiles of potential candidates before setting up an interview.

Paying the going rate

Discussing payment is a necessary conversation when hiring a babysitter. While the typical hourly fee falls within a range, parents should consider the number of children, their ages and the expectations of the babysitter before determining their rate.

“I think it depends on the family,” said Denise Mancheski, enrichment director at the Greater Green Bay YMCA. “It varies. It isn’t like years ago when every parent paid $2 an hour.”

She shares some parents start at minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour in Wisconsin.

Duffek has done some research and determined the minimum going rate for a Red Cross certified babysitter is currently $5 an hour, although some parents pay as much as $10

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Special Holiday Offers on American Red Cross Courses and Products

Posted on December 10, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Each year, nearly 4 million people learn how to save a life in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training classes. People in North Central Wisconsin can take advantage of special offers now through January 31, 2013.

“Emergencies occur every day, but with travel, extra stress and large gatherings, people are even more susceptible to accidents and illnesses during the holidays,” said Sara Weier, Wisconsin Service Delivery Manager,“Make sure your family and household members have the skills and confidence to act in an emergency until help arrives.”

First Aid and CPR/AED Training

People can save 20 percent on the price of a First Aid and CPR/AED course. Participants learn how to perform CPR and use an AED, what to do if someone is choking, and how to prevent and respond to other emergencies. How to control bleeding as well as how to care for seizures and other sudden illnesses are also covered.

Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training helps meet OSHA standards and professional licensure requirements. Courses are offered in traditional classroom and blended learning formats. Blending learning is a combination of online learning and a shorter in-person skills session. The course fee includes a 2-year certification with online skill refreshers and digital materials.

People can call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to redcross.org/takeaclass for course schedules and to register. Use HOLIDAY0113 as the coupon code to receive the 20 percent discount.

Lifesaving training courses can make a great gift for new parents, caregivers and those who need to refresh their skills. People can register loved ones by calling 1-800-REDCROSS and selecting Health and Safety training from the menu options.

Health and Safety Products

The Red Cross is also offering 20 percent off the price of First Aid Kits and other emergency preparedness items available at redcrossstore.org. Use the HOLIDAY0113 coupon code to receive the 20 percent discount.

These special offers on training and products cannot be combined with other discounts.

Course Name

Date

Start Time

End Time

Price

Location
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED

12/12/2012

 8:30 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 90 ARC Racine Office
CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers

12/12/2012 and 12/13/2012

 6:00 p.m. 9:15 p.m. both nights 110 ARC Oshkosh Office
Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED

12/13/2012

 5:30 p.m. 9:45 p.m. 90 ARC Green Bay Office
Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED

12/13/2012

 8:30 a.m. 12:45 p.m. 90 ARC Waukesha Office
First Aid Review

12/13/2012

 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 55 ARC Appleton Office
Babysitter’s Training

12/15/2012

 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 85 ARC Green Bay Office
CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers

12/15/2012

 8:30 a.m. 3:15 p.m. 110 ARC Racine Office
Adult CPR/AED

12/17/2012

 8:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 70 ARC Milwaukee Office
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED

12/17/2012 and 12/18/2012

 5:30 p.m. 8:45 p.m. both nights 90 ARC West Bend Office
First Aid

12/17/2012

 8:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 70 ARC Sheboygan Office
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED

12/18/2012

 8:30 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 90 ARC Green Bay Office
CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers

12/18/2012 and 12/19/2012

 6:00 p.m. 9:15 p/. both nights 110 ARC Waukesha Office
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED

12/19/2012 and 12/20/2012

 6:00 p.m. 9:15 p.m. 90 ARC Appleton Office
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED

12/19/2012

 8:30 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 90 ARC Manitowoc Office
Adult CPR/AED

12/27/2012

 8:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 70 ARC Green Bay Office
Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED Review

12/27/2012

 6:00 p.m. 9:15 p.m. 70 ARC Milwaukee Office
Babysitter’s Training

12/27/2012

 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 85 ARC Appleton Office
Babysitter’s Training

12/27/2012

 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 85 ARC Waukesha Office
Babysitter’s Training

12/28/2012

 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 85 ARC Oshkosh Office

 


 

  

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Wisconsin Disaster Training Conference To Begin Largest Registration Ever Includes Five States Represented

Posted on October 16, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

American Red Cross chapters serving all of Wisconsin, plus the Michigan border communities are just days away from the Wisconsin Disaster Training Conference to be held at the Gruenhagen Conference Center on the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Campus from October 18-21, 2012.

More than 200 have registered for entry-level to high-level training with courses taught-by, and open-to, community partners as well as newcomers and long-time Red Cross responders. 

Specific training tracks are scheduled so a person can grow within their chosen line of service. Training tracks include: health services, mental health, sheltering, operations management, feeding and disaster communications. Therefore, a person with professional skills, such as a licensed mental health professional, can learn the Red Cross guidance to make their disaster deployment the most beneficial for the people we serve. In other capacities, we are looking for volunteers with a strong will to help others, are compassionate and are ready for training.

All courses will have a strong emphasis on collaborative efforts before, during and after disasters. For instance, fostering working relationships with other first responders, community leaders and mutual aid assets are vital to a successful response. While we have the trained team to establish a shelter, we need the location, which is where our community partners and advanced planning comes into play.

All courses are free to disaster responders, just like the services we provide during times of need. In fact, the Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters a year – more than 1,100 in Wisconsin last year. Course participants will be asked to respond to local disasters first and then as skills and availability rise, they maybe deployed to larger or national assignments. For example, during Hurricane Isaac, several Emergency Response Vehicles from Wisconsin were driven to the Gulf Coast. During the ERV Ready, Set, Roll course, we will certify additional drivers. Due to over-whelming registrations for the International Humanitarian Law course, we’ve added a class on Wednesday, October 17th. This class explores guiding principles from the Geneva Conventions which sets forth Red Cross involvement around the globe.

For the complete list of classes please visit redcross.org/newisconsin or redcross.org/sewisconsin.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization which depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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Training, a Plan and Teamwork Can Save a Life!

Posted on March 16, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

The story below emphasizes the fact that you cannot put a price tag on a life that has been saved by using CPR/AED training.  Luckily, this 64-year-old businessman was in good hands the minute he went into cardiac arrest on the jobsite.  The costs of training and creating an emergency plan paid off for the two businesses mentioned.  With the correct and regular training, these workers were able to react quickly, follow procedure and save a precious life.

Want to learn more about our training packages and how you can get an AED and training for your business? Give me a call or e-mail me at: 920-227-4294 or kimberly.apfelbeck@redcross.org

Kimberly Apfelbeck, Sales Representative, American Red Cross Eastern WI Territory

Man Suffers Heart Attack During Business Trip To Madison 

Submitted by Scott Beedy, Channel 3000 Community Editor, March 2, 2012

A life of an Ohio businessman working in Madison this week was saved after he collapsed from a heart attack in a trailer on the construction site of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s new Wisconsin Energy Institute.

The man, who is 64 years old, was visiting a the site when he collapsed in the trailer and project office of Mortenson Construction. Workers from Mortenson and Hallmark Drywall who witnessed the collapse immediately moved to respond, fire officials said. One called the Dane County 911 Communications Center, while another reached for the defibrillator on the wall. Others workers began chest compressions, while yet another group of workers got in place to guide emergency crews to the man.

911 call taker Laurie Frederickson continued with calm instructions until firefighters and medics arrived, officials said. They said the man was treated and taken to the hospital minutes later.

The workers on site told crews credited their actions to the company’s emergency response plan and required safety training, which includes CPR.

Fire officials said at last check the man was in good condition, preparing to be released from the hospital.

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Can You Put a Price on Lifesaving Training??

Posted on January 31, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Many people don’t see the value in First Aid/CPR/AED training.  It may be the cost of the training, the effort it takes to keep the certification up-to-date or the thought that one would never have to use it.  What if you came across an emergency that involved your family member, friend, coworker, neighbor or even yourself?  Would that change your view on the importance of life-saving training?

If you’re not quite convinced, take a moment to read the story below about a 12 year-old grandson saving his grandfather’s life when he began choking.  This is just one example of the importance of being trained.

Grandson Saves Choking Grandfather

Thursday, January 26, — When twelve-year-old Landon Tucker took American Red Cross training in First Aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), little did he know he would use that training to help his grandfather when he choked while eating breakfast.

Carl McGowan and his grandson were home alone recently, enjoying breakfast, when a piece of sausage became lodged in McGowan’s throat. His wife Martha and a neighbor, who happens to be a paramedic, were both at work.

McGowan knew his grandson had taken the Red Cross classes at school, and asked Tucker if he knew what to do. Tucker said he had been trained, but had never actually performed the skills on anyone.

“I told him now would be a good time to try it,” Carl said. “He was scared. He tried to help me and was successful after several tries.”

McGowan credits Tucker with saving his life and is thankful his grandson had access to Red Cross training. “Being trained is very important,” Carl said. “Landon saved me. I want to thank him for everything he did.”

The Red Cross has information available for download on how to help someone – adult, child or infant – who is choking, and how to perform back blows and abdominal thrusts.

The Red Cross also offers classes in First Aid, CPR and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator), and recommends that at least one person in every household be trained. People can also take Red Cross babysitter and lifeguard training, learn how to swim, take training on first aid for use in wilderness and remote settings, sports safety training, even first aid for pets. Classes are available for individuals as well as for businesses and organizations.

According to a Red Cross survey, many have witnessed someone choking. One person in ten surveyed reported they needed help themselves because they had choked on something. Most often, 57 percent of the time, a family member came to their aid, while in 30 percent of the instances the people had to help themselves. The survey also revealed that most choking incidents occur at home, with a high percentage also occurring in a restaurant.

This year there’s still plenty of time to resolve to protect yourself and your loved ones by taking a Red Cross class. Landon Tucker and his grandfather understand the importance of First Aid training firsthand and now know what to do when an emergency occurs.

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A New Year and a New Resolution for Your Business

Posted on January 3, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Guest Blog Post, Kim Apfelbeck, Sales Representative

After ringing in the New Year, many people resolve to live healthier lifestyles and lose a few extra pounds.  As a business, you too can choose to better the health and safety of your employees and overall business.  By having a safety plan in place, you can lose some of the weight off your shoulders by having informed and ready-to-act employees.  Here are a few ways the Red Cross can help you to get started on your 2012 resolution to a healthy and safe work environment.

1.  Get trained by joining the Next Generation of Red Cross Training

More Value

□       Two-year certification with free digital refreshers for participants

□       A choice of free digital or affordable print course materials for participants (redcross.org/previewkits)

Highest Quality

□       Concise learner-centered course design emphasizes hands-on skills and learning application

□       Updated user-friendly course materials including exciting new video

Greater Convenience

□       Standardized delivery, pricing and single point-of-contact support for businesses spanning multiple geographic locations

□       Online training management system provides student certificates quickly and efficiently

 More Training Options

□       Flexible course options to meet your organization’s needs

□       Web-based learning options for First Aid/CPR/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens Training

□       Wide selection of courses and combinations to meet your needs

 To set up group training at your facility or to learn more, please contact Kim Apfelbeck at apfelbeckk@usa.redcross.org or 920-227-4294.

 2.  Get prepared by having easily-accessible emergency supplies

 First Aid Kits

4 x 4 First Aid Kit – $5.00

 

 

 

101-Piece First Aid Kit – $10.00

 

 

 

 

Large All Purpose First Aid Kit – $20.00

 

 

 

 

Breathing Barriers

Mini-Key CPR Key Chain – $2.00

 

 

CPR Key Chain w/gloves – $3.00

 

 

CPR Res-Cue Mask (Soft or Hard Case) – $10.00

 

 

 

 

Products may be purchased at your local chapter or by visiting www.redcrossstore.org

3.  Get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for your facility

The chance of survival drops by 10% for every minute that passes after sudden cardiac arrest.  With CPR training and access to an AED, your employee or fellow coworker has a much greater chance of survival. 

To help meet its mission of saving lives, the Red Cross has formed relationships with three AED manufacturers (Cardiac Science, Philips Health Care Group and ZOLL Medical Corporation) to facilitate the purchase of AED devices for customers.

The Red Cross can work with you to find the device that best fits your facility.  By purchasing through the Red Cross, a portion of the purchase price goes back to your local chapter to support services and activities in your community.

For further information please contact Kim Apfelbeck at apfelbeckk@usa.redcross.org or 920-227-4294.


 

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Girls use CPR, help save Sheboygan mom

Posted on December 6, 2011 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Would you know what to do in an emergency situation? Taking a Red Cross CPR class can help you learn how to care for a person having a heart attack and how to perform CPR for a person in cardiac arrest .   Often, cardiac emergencies happen at home or the workplace, so the life you may have to save could be that of a friend or loved one.

Click HERE to sign up for a training class in your area.

Fox 11 —- Laura Smith, FOX 11 News   Published : Friday, 02 Dec 2011, 11:47 AM CST

Click on photo for video

SHEBOYGAN – It was a life threatening situation for a Sheboygan mom when she suffered a severe asthma attack. “It makes you not want to take life for granted that’s for sure,” said Kandace Seyferth of Sheboygan. Seyferth found herself in trouble last week.

“I started wheezing and my chest was real tight and I told my daughter to get my inhaler,” said Seyferth. She said she felt better after a couple puffs, but then a severe asthma attack set in. “Me and Katie heard her wheezing,” said Seyferth’s 10-year-old daughter Maddie Kestell.

Kestell and her friend 12-year-old Katie Vreeke helped Seyferth downstairs.

“Then we got right to the point where the doors are, she collapsed,” said Kestell. As Seyferth lay on the living room floor, the two girls immediately took action.

“Katie’s like call 9-11, call 9-11 and I was like okay, okay. So I called them,” Kestell said. The girls say the 9-11 operator asked them if they knew how to perform CPR. Thanks to weekly watching of a medical TV drama, both said they did.

“Grey’s Anatomy,” said Kestell. While frightened and scared, both girls kept their cool working on Kestell’s mom until paramedics arrived.

“I did the chest compression, she like plugged her nose and breathed into her, and we just kept doing that until they came,” said Vreeke.

Paramedics say the girls’ quick thinking was essential as this was a life or death situation. “The CPR wasn’t ultimately necessary but the 9-11 call, had they not called 9-11, there’s a good chance their mother would not have survived,” said Sheboygan Firefighter and Paramedic Justin Langdon.

Seyferth says the girls are heroes in her book. “I’m so proud of my daughter, and her friend Katie, that I couldn’t even tell you how I feel about it, I’m grateful and happy to be here,” Seyferth said.

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Be a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer!

Posted on October 12, 2011 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a disaster volunteer? Or, if it was right for you? NOW is your time to find out. The American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin is hosting Disaster Services courses throughoutNE Wisconsin.

If you are interested in learning about the Red Cross and how you can become a volunteer sign up for one of these informational trainings: 

Disaster Services: An Overview

     When: Saturday, October 15, 2011

      Time: 9:00am-12:30pm

      Where: American Red Cross,1302 East Wisconsin Ave, Appleton

Disaster Services: An Overview

      When: Thursday, October 20, 2011

      Time: 6:00pm-9:30pm

      Where: Marquette County Sheriffs Department,77 West St. Montello

Disaster Services: An Overview

      When: Thursday, October 27, 2011

      Time: 6:00pm-9:30pm

      Where: American Red Cross,418 School St, Waupaca

]To sign up, click HERE

If you have any questions please contact Nick Cluppert, Disaster Services Training Director at 888-231-3590 (toll-free) or nick@ecw-redcross.org

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