Northern Berks medics, firefighters lead CPR training session in Maidencreek

First responders from Blandon Fire Company and Northern Berks EMS partnered to deliver free hands-only CPR training to Maidencreek Township residents during a community event Sunday at the Maidencreek Community Park Pavilion.

The event, which came on the first day of National CPR & AED Awareness Week, was organized and led by experienced paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

They taught participants how to recognize cardiac arrest, call 911 effectively and deliver high-quality chest compressions. Training also included demonstrations of infant CPR techniques.

Northern Berks EMS Paramedic Dominic Lombardo demonstrate the proper technique for delivering chest compressions on an infant victim during a CPR training event for Maidencreek Township residents at the Maidencreek Community Park Pavilion on Sunday. (Courtesy of Gavin Milligan)

In just 20 minutes per session, attendees walked away with the knowledge to help save a life.

The idea for the event was spearheaded by Gavin Milligan, a Blandon firefighter since age 16.

The CPR event comes amid growing concern statewide and across Berks County over the funding and staffing challenges facing emergency medical services.

Last year, Maidencreek Township implemented a 0.5 mill EMS tax, generating approximately $238,000 annually to help sustain operations at the Blandon and Leesport ambulance stations.

Plans are already in motion for future public safety programs, Milligan said.