PEACHLAND, B.C. – More than 30 seniors have learned life-saving skills to help save their loved ones following basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training Tuesday night at the Peachland Fifty Plus Activity Centre.
“AED stands for automated external defibrillator,” instructed Anne Benn, South Okanagan District Manager with B.C. Emergency Health Services.
Peachland recreational coordinator Julie van den Born said AEDs have proven to save lives in the community.
“Even at our own community centre during one of our recreational activities a couple of years ago,” she said.
Participants also learned about heart attack symptoms.
“It would be chest pain, pressure in their chest, tightness, sometimes some sweatiness and some nausea,” Benn said.
For stroke symptoms, the participants were directed to remember the acronym FAST.
“FAST stands for face, so facial droop; arms, so an arm droop; slurred speech and then time. It’s time to call 911,” according to Benn.
Emergency responders say the faster you can call for help, the better the outcome.
All participants encourage other seniors to seek out training in basic life-saving skills.
“Everybody should do this,” Bill Anstead said. “Especially people 55 and older so they know if something happens, they can help somebody.”
Peachland hosts the training session once a year but would like to offer the event more often as it has proven popular, according to van den Born.
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