South Walton Fire District Hosts Free CPR and Tourniquet Training to Help Save Lives

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) — Free CPR classes turn citizens into qualified helpers for the South Walton Fire District (SWFD).

“It’s about empowering people to make a difference because it only takes one person,” said Mackenzie McClintock, SWFD public information officer.

18 people certified Thursday in CPR and choking rescue during a free training course at SWFD headquarters.

Fire district staff said the course is open to residents and non-residents, certifying more than 100 people this year.

“Especially during the summer, when we know that a lot of children who may have the responsibility of watching their younger siblings or who are going to sports practice and have more free time instead of going to the school all day, can come and learn from us,” McClintock said.

“It was a great refresher, especially for children and infants. I have two children myself and they are old enough to babysit. “That’s why I brought one with me today so she can also prepare and be a better and more effective babysitter because you never know what can happen,” said Theresa Felton, real estate agent.

The course includes an exam and hands-on training, with participants learning life-saving measures for adults, children and infants.

The district said the intervention of a good Samaritan before him could mean the difference between life and death.

“Every minute that passes that a person is in cardiac arrest and not getting oxygenated blood to their brain, their brain dies. So until we can get there, we need to equip the community to be able to start care and keep the blood flowing, keep that brain alive and give that person a chance.” , McClintock said.

In addition to CPR and choking hazards, the free course also teaches the community how to apply tourniquets. A major step to save the lives of two victims of shark bites on June 7.

“We swim in the Gulf every week and, following some recent events, we continue to pray for everyone's families. But again, it just reinforces that it’s good to know what to do in an emergency,” Felton said.

The district hosts the course monthly and will open more days as the event fills up quickly.

The fire district will host free car seat safety checks this month, June 24-25.

Learn more about SWFD events online.