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That’s how Heather Dutcher, director of health and safety programs at the Red Cross Scenic Bluffs Chapter in La Crosse, thinks about automated external defibrillator training.
“I think the more people who are trained in the use of an AED, the safer our community is,” Dutcher said.
And, with the passage of 2007 Wisconsin Act 104, it’s required for certain licensed professionals, she said.
Automated external defibrillator, or AEDs, can be found in public places such as county buildings, public schools and malls, and are used in cases of cardiac arrest to correct an irregular heart beat, she said.
Anyone can go through the training to use an AED, Dutcher said, but only those who are certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation can become AED-certified.
Because they’ve been receiving requests, likely due to the recent law enacted in March 2008, the Red Cross Scenic Bluffs Chapter is offering AED courses. Not too many people, outside professionals who are required to be certified, are likely to turn up, she said.
“Usually it’s a new parent,” Dutcher said, “and even that’s rare.”
The courses — held 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Scenic Bluffs Chapter, 2927 Losey Blvd. S. in La Crosse — are open to anyone for a $15 fee, she said.
“It’s been shown that AEDs save lives when they’re on site,” said Brenda Hanson, an educator at the La Crosse County Health Department.
Hanson, who said AED courses are also offered through Gundersen Lutheran, Franciscan Skemp and
Western Technical College, stressed the importance of public awareness of AEDs.
“The more lay people who know how to use them, the better,” she said.
AED Courses
WHAT: Automated external defibrillator training
Where: The Red Cross Scenic Bluffs Chapter, 2927 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday, and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday
Cost: $15;
REQUIREMENTS: Space is limited and registration is required. Anyone may attend this course; however, students who wish to receive certification must have a current CPR certification. Students must bring a current American Red Cross book that includes AED training materials. To register or for more information, call (608) 788-1000 or visit www.arcscenicbluffs.org.
