'Nothing increases survival rate more than CPR:' Port Clinton Fire, EMS training teens

'Nothing increases survival rate more than CPR:' Port Clinton Fire, EMS training teens

Port Clinton Fire, EMS have 300 people trained in CPR since fall 2021

Far too often, when Port Clinton Fire and Rescue personnel respond to an emergency, they arrive to a scene filled with people who have done nothing to help. Time has lapsed, and with that lost time, the ill or injured person’s chances of survival have greatly diminished.

Port Clinton Fire and Rescue EMS Capt. Brian Gutman came up with a plan to help fix that problem: He wants to certify hundreds of people in the community in CPR. On Jan. 4, he brought that plan into Port Clinton High School, where he certified several of the school’s students. By the time he’s done, all of the about140 freshmen and all of the staff will be certified in CPR.

“When we respond to an emergency, many times, there’s a group of people standing around someone on the ground, and no one knows what to do,” Gutman said. “I want to saturate the community with people able to render CPR and first aid.”

Fire, EMS captain began CPR certification project in 2021

Gutman began his quest in fall 2021, and his team of certified CPR instructors have trained over 300 people in the community since then, including the students.

“We train mostly adults, but we need young people who are certified. They’re working in our restaurants. They’re our babysitters and our lifeguards,” Gutman said.

On Jan. 4, Gutman and his team trained students in Seth Benner’s health class. They not only learned CPR, but they were trained to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and taught basic first aid, including how to respond to a stroke and a seizure. Students learned how to wrap a bleeding wound, identify a concussion and distinguish between a heart attack and cardiac arrest.

Each student practiced administering CPR and using an AED on a CPR manikin.

“Nothing increases survival rate more than CPR,” Gutman told them.

PCHS students understand CPR can be important

The importance of the training wasn’t lost on the students.

“It was helpful because you’re going to know how to help people in situations like this,” said freshman Davis Toris. “Not everyone will know what to do. It could help save a life.”

All of the funding for the project came from local sources. An Ottawa County Community Foundation grant and a matching Hablitzel Family Fund grant paid for the equipment and the cost to have 10 Port Clinton Fire & Rescue personnel trained and certified as CPR instructors. The Rotary Club of Port Clinton funded the students’ certification training.

Port Clinton High School Principal Gary Steyer is grateful his students are provided the opportunity by Port Clinton Fire & Rescue. Although the school has provided CPR training in its health classes, this is the first time students have had the chance to be certified.

“Brian reached out to me last year wanting to know if they could provide CPR and first aid training to our students, coaches and staff. From my standpoint, it made a lot of sense. Not only is it beneficial to the students, but it helps with graduation requirements,” Steyer said. “I’m beyond excited about this arrangement.”

Port Clinton Fire and Rescue’s certified CPR instructors are available to offer CPR training to workplaces, organizations and individuals. Training can be done at the station or on-site at the trainee’s location of choice. For more information, call 419-734-3430.