Members of Shakespeare church receive life-saving training

Members of Shakespeare Presbyterian Church recently received training on the use of the church's newly acquired automated external defibrillator (AED). Pictured from left to right are RED5 safety training instructor Ben Lindner and members of the congregation Ted Danen, Richard Smelski, Julie Erb, Jean Smelski, Darlene Schmidt, Murray McTavish, Paul Steinman and Mike Hill. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

Members of the Shakespeare Presbyterian Church gathered on Sunday afternoon to equip themselves with life-saving skills following the church’s recent acquisition of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The training session was organized by church member and Shakespeare volunteer firefighter Mike Hill.

Leading the instruction was Ben Lindner, owner of RED5 Safety Training. Lindner is a firefighter in Brampton and a volunteer with the Perth East Fire Department in Shakespeare. Lindner and his wife, Amber, have operated RED5 Safety Training for nearly five years, serving Stratford and surrounding area.

Lindner demonstrated how the new portable medical device can successfully revive someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

During cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating effectively, and every minute without intervention slashes survival odds by seven to 10 per cent. While CPR keeps blood moving, an AED is often the only tool capable of restarting a normal rhythm.

Lindner explained to the attendees that the AED actually stops the heart, allowing it to then restart itself naturally. Because the human heart will attempt to restart for only about four minutes, deploying the device immediately is critical to saving a life.

If a person is found unresponsive and not breathing, Lindner outlined a simple three-step action plan: call 911, start chest compressions and apply the AED.

Once activated, the AED provides automated voice instructions to guide the rescuer. Sticky electrode pads are placed on the patient's bare chest to analyze the heart's electrical rhythm.

The machine will only deliver an electrical shock if a dangerous, irregular pattern is detected. It is engineered so it will never mistakenly deliver a shock if one is not required.

To help participants act confidently in a crisis, Lindner shared several practical safety tips. Rescuers should keep a good pair of scissors in the AED kit to quickly cut away clothing, including undergarments. It is important to clear the chest area. Do not waste time trying to remove body piercings. Simply slid necklaces out of the way of the pads.

Lindner reassured the group the device is safe for pregnant individuals and children, provided the settings are adjusted properly. Emphasizing that saving a life is always the highest priority, Lindner concluded the session, leaving participants feeling ready to act in case of an emergency.