Hamilton County Emergency Services held a public training course called “First On The Scene” on Saturday morning.

“It’s basically a course that teaches citizens what to do until help arrives,” says David Burdett, training director for Hamilton County EMS.

The First On The Scene course, created by the National Association of EMTs, provides trained professionals the opportunity to demonstrate to the public procedures such as treating a bleeding wound, administering epinephrine injections, and practical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using only manual intervention helps patients maintain blood flow to the body until we can get there with defibrillation; firefighters get there with AEDs,” Burdett said.

Burdett says learning the basics of how to deal with an emergency situation improves the chances of survival for potential victims.

“It can be anything from helping family, friends, loved ones,” Burdett said.

Given the current opioid epidemic in the country, Burdett says knowing how to administer Narcan has become critical in life-threatening moments.

“The opioids suppress a person’s breathing, lower their heart rate and blood pressure, and actually block the effects of the opioids,” Burdett said.

Burdett emphasized to course participants how important it is for loved ones to know where you live and how to properly call 911.

He says: Always remember to stay on the line.

“Listen to what they tell you and follow their instructions. This is the first help you will receive and they are a shining sign to you that more help is coming,” Burdett said.

If you want to learn how to stay calm and help in these stressful emergency situations, Burdett encourages people to sign up for the next class, which will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 8 a.m. to noon.