Learn to save a life: Little Rice Fire Department offering free CPR classes

The Little Rice Fire Department has announced it will be offering free CPR training to community members in March, empowering them with the skills needed to save lives in an emergency.

“This is a critical opportunity to learn how to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies —because every second counts,” organizers said in a press release. 

“I never thought I’d have to use CPR, but when my friend collapsed, I knew what to do. The training kicked in, and I was able to keep him alive until help arrived,” said Greg J., a local community member who successfully performed CPR in a real-life emergency. “Everyone should learn CPR. It truly makes a difference.”

According to the American Heart Association, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year in the U.S., and nearly 90% of them are fatal when CPR is not performed immediately. However, when CPR is administered right away, it can double or even triple the chance of survival. Unfortunately, studies show that more than 50% of Americans do not know how to perform CPR.

The Little Rice Fire Department is working to change that by offering hands-on CPR training to equip residents with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

There are two opportunities to take the CPR class:

Class Date: March 8

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

Location: Little Rice Fire Department and Town Hall, 3737 Highway Y, Tomahawk.

Class Date: March 22

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

Location: Lynne Town Hall, 5097 Willow Road, Tripoli.

“Participants will learn how to recognize cardiac emergencies, perform high-quality chest compressions, and use an AED,” the release states. “The training is open to all community members — no prior experience required!”

“CPR is a skill that can save a life before first responders arrive,” said Chief Larry Mathein, Fire Chief of the Little Rice Fire Department serving Little Rice and Lynne. “By offering this training for free, we hope to make our community stronger, safer, and better prepared for emergencies.”

Space is limited! To register, visit https://forms.office.com/r/1ZydcpCVFG or call Chief Larry at 715-612-5514.