Free training available for Medical Reserve Corps members and anyone interested in joining
BOWLING GREEN — September is National Preparedness Month, and Wood County Health Department is seeking volunteers who could be asked to help out during local emergencies and exercises.
The health department and Wood County Emergency Management Agency are teaming up to offer “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” training, which teaches five steps that could help you save someone’s life. The program is meant to enhance community preparedness and recruit potential volunteers for Wood County Medical Reserve Corps.
The event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Wood County Health Department, 1840 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green.
“You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” teaches people what to do in an emergency or injury scenario until trained professionals can respond. National response times average between 6-9 minutes and can be longer in rural areas. This training, created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, teaches people to call 9-1-1, protect the injured from more harm and position them for breathing, provide comfort, and stop bleeding. Situations where these skills could be applicable include vehicle crashes, home-repair accidents, severe weather emergencies and active shooter incidents.
In an emergency, local resources get called upon first. As part of an MRC unit, you can be part of an organized and trained team that will be ready and able to bolster local emergency planning and response capabilities. No special skills or medical experience are required as long as you’re 18 years old, and roles can be tailored to use your own background and experience.
To register for “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” training, send a Facebook message to the health department including your name and contact information. You can also email Alex Aspacher, Wood County MRC coordinator, at [email protected]. To learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps, go to http://woodcountyhealth.org/ep/mrc.html
The mission of Wood County Health Department is to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect the health of everyone in Wood County. Our Community Health Center provides comprehensive medical services for men, women and children. We welcome all patients, including uninsured or underinsured clients, regardless of their ability to pay, and we accept most third-party insurance. For more information, visit WoodCountyHealth.org
