Free public event will help community better prepare for emergency situations

The University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital (ECH) will host a CPR and Stop the Bleed event on Thursday, May 25th from 6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. at the Boquet Valley Central School in Elizabethtown.

With support from Sylvamo, Essex County EMS and Peak Paramedicine, the emergency preparedness event will include basic CPR instruction and training on how to stop a serious bleed.

Elizabethtown Community Hospital’s Paramedic Program Director Bruce Barry, RN, BSN said “We’re happy to offer this important educational event to the community.  Our goal is to share basic lifesaving skills and give participants the confidence to step in and help during an emergency situation until first responders arrive.  This three-hour investment could help save someone’s life.”

Bob Ortmyer, president of Elizabethtown Community Hospital said, “We’re proud to be part of this community and to serve our family, friends and neighbors.  Providing this type of training and outreach is an important part of that.”

More than 35 students, ages 9-12, from Boquet Valley Central School and Keene Central School submitted artwork for the event in two categories, the winner of each category will be showcased on limited edition t-shirts:

• Where Emergency Care Begins - These t-shirts will be given to local EMS in honor of their work and National EMS Week celebrated from May 21-27.

• Stop the Bleed – These t-shirts will serve as the official event t-shirt and given to all participants.

Additional recognition will be given to the artist whose submission receives the most votes during the event with the “Community Choice Award.”  Winners will be announced at the end of the evening.

This event is free and open to the public.  All participants will receive an event t-shirt and first aid kit.

For more information on the CPR and Stop the Bleed event, call (518) 873-3068.