Safety Ministry- Medical Training held at New Bridge Church- Winterset

As part of our Safety Ministry team’s emergency preparedness plan, a medical training event was held Thursday, June 7 at New Bridge Church with 27 in attendance. A review of how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) was presented by Todd Davis, Director of Ambulance Services for Madison County. “Hands Only” CPR and “Stop the Bleed” training was presented by Shari Carlson, RN. All are nationwide initiatives to educate the public to be able to provide immediate assistance to victims before emergency teams arrive. Immediate interventions in some situations can make a difference between life and death.

New Bridge Church had an AED installed in the foyer about 3 years ago. It had never been used until Sunday, June 3, when a church member collapsed in the sanctuary during worship. Several medical professionals were in attendance that morning and the person received appropriate care, including the use of the AED, before the ambulance arrived. He was transported by air ambulance to a Des Moines hospital and is recovering. If this episode had occurred in a setting without an AED and trained bystanders, he likely would not have survived.

This event highlighted to many the need to be prepared for unexpected events. The training event the following Thursday evening, which had been scheduled for several weeks, was well attended and a repeat session will be held next month. We would highly recommend that each church consider having an AED readily available and provide opportunities for training to their congregation. The family of this person is very thankful that we did!