Pictured are members of the Falconer and Gerry Volunteer fire departments, along with Chief Charles Piazza, and instructors Matthew and Alicia Elderkin. Submitted photo

In May, the Volunteer Fireman’s Association of Falconer received a grant from the Falconer Region Community Foundation and the Axel W. Carlson Memorial Fund through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation that allowed the fire department to purchase CPR training equipment that meets the American Heart Association Guidelines.

The purchase allows the fire department to offer CPR training to members of the department, mutual aid companies and citizens in the community. CPR can be life saving and instrumental in improving patient survival outcomes if performed correctly in a witnessed event.

In January, the American Heart Association changed the guidelines and use of training tools to enhance the training and success of individuals who may be required or choose to perform life saving CPR.

Recent studies have shown that the high quality CPR with minimal interruption can significantly improve patient survival outcomes when a provider or individual is faced with a witnessed cardiac arrest or respiratory distress instance. Immediate, skilled, and appropriate CPR techniques paired with utilizing the AED correctly can make the difference between life and death for individuals in the communities the department serves.

The Falconer Fire Department has hosted two CPR classes in September, and will be hosting an additional class on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6-10 p.m. Class size is limited and open to all fire departments, first responders and any interested community members.

For more information and to register, contact Lisa Piazza at 450-5796 or lisapiazza184@outlook.com. The registration cost is $5 fire department members and $25 for the public.