Let us know if you are interested in a free First Aid course
By Topf Wells

Some of us SWTU youngsters might remember this catch phrase from Hill Street Blues. The world weary police sergeant would send his cops out the door after every morning roll call and briefing with this reminder. As the series and life demonstrate, care doesn’t always prevent accident or illness.

The SWTU Board recognizes this reality. Our work days have many folks working hard with power tools over uneven terrain. We also have crowds at different events where someone can suffer a medical emergency. We want everyone to be as safe as possible and to receive effective health if something goes wrong. We intend to be Care Full for our members and guests with proper training and equipment.

To those ends, the SWTU Board has voted to contract with the Red Cross to offer a First Aid course to interested members. This course covers instruction and practice, both online and, most importantly, in person, in the use of First Aid in emergency situations. SWTU members will take the same course at the same time and location. SWTU will cover all the expenses – yes, this course is free to SWTU participants.

Josh Reilly, SWTU Secretary, has researched the course.

Course Title: Adult First Aid/CPR/AED with Life Threatening Bleeding and Tourniquet Application- Blended Learning.

Required online learning before in-classroom: 3 hours and 15 minute self-paced web-based learning.

In-classroom session: 2 hour and 30 minute skills session.

If interested, please complete this brief online form by Thursday, March 12. Timing and logistics will be set once we determine level of interest – and note that completing the form does not lock you into anything. If you have questions, contact Josh at jreilly.swtu@gmail.com.

Please consider taking this course if you regularly attend SWTU events that draw lots of participants such as work days, casting clinics or fly tying classes. We hope to have folks complete this course before or early in our spring work day season. Please consider this opportunity and enroll ASAP if you’re interested in enrolling. The odds are long that you’ll ever use this training but you and whomever you help will be grateful you have First Aid skills.

SWTU will also purchase an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for use in a serious cardiac emergency. More information will be forthcoming on its use and availability. Again, Josh has researched the purchase carefully and we are attending to the advice of the American Red Cross staff in Madison. Huge thanks to Josh for the hours he’s dedicated to this project.