Contributed Story

CONWAY – In an effort to promote “Hands-Only” CPR training to the public, members of the Conway-Severn Rescue Squad, Inc held a free CPR/AED training clinic at the HO HO HO Craft Show in Conway on Nov. 30.

Squad Captain Chris Buffaloe reported that 91 citizens were taught the new Hands-Only CPR guidelines set out by the American Heart Association.

“We are overly excited to have reached this many people,” said Buffaloe. “It was amazing to watch the enthusiasm and willingness to try by our citizens. I think we were very well received by the public.”

Buffaloe stated that citizens from age 4 to age 81 participated in the training exercise and were able to practice the new CPR to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.

“The song helps people to keep a good pace and tempo while doing compressions to keep the heart in sync with a 100 beats per minute effort,” Buffaloe said.

Buffaloe noted that it is important to try to keep blood flow circulating to the body during a cardiac event where the heart stops.

“This will allow the heart to oxygenate the brain and other vital body organs with the oxygen already present within the body and gained through passive ventilations from the CPR motions,” he said.

Conway-Severn Rescue Squad would like to thank the Roanoke-Chowan Community College Continuing Education department for the use of the CPR manikins for the training.

“With the continued support of our college and our citizens, CSRS is going to grow and advance for years to come,” Buffaloe said.

Any civic groups wishing to have demonstrations and training may contact the rescue squad at 252-585-0313 or by email at cbuffaloe@conway-severnrescue.org.