Recently, 15 members of the VHS athletics department took an hour-long first-aid course at The Villages High School, earning certifications for CPR, AED and first-aid usage.
The Villages Public Safety Department’s Station 40 is just across the street from the school. Coaches and support staff within the Buffalo athletics program were still enthusiastic about the course, so they could be well-prepared if a situation arises.
“It puts me at great ease knowing we’ve all been through and been trained, God forbid, should something ever happen,” said VHS athletic director and head football coach Richard Pettus. “We’ve got our 911 protocols and emergency plans in place – plus we’re fortunate to have paramedics and EMTs right next door to us – but we’re always going to be proactive. We’ve always got to be ready to help just in case something were to happen.”
The courses are expected every two years by the Florida High School Athletic Association, allowing coaches to retain their coaching eligibility statewide.
The training course covered potential victims ranging in age from newborn to adult. It also included identifying and clearing a blocked airway, proper CPR technique and step-by-step AED usage.
The course was hosted by John Townsend, of the Code Blue Medical Training.
“It’s required, but I think these coaches willingly want to do it,” Townsend said. “They want to take the course and be certified. They want to be able to help the athletes they coach.”
A full-time athletic trainer is always available on campus at VHS athletic events. All participants felt the courses were advantageous beyond playgrounds and sporting arenas.
“It’s extremely valuable information because you just never know when you’re going to be in a position to use it,” said Dante Steward, an assistant coach for the Buffalo football program. “Whether you’re at a game, you’re at home with your own kids or maybe even out at a restaurant with other people around, these techniques are important to learn and have with you wherever you go.”
Townsend also highlighted the importance of having an extra hand at sporting events in The Villages, as these are often attended by older spectators.
“It’s really important everywhere, but especially in this area here,” Townsend said. “Not only because you’ve got exhausting activities and sports taking place outdoors, but those events obviously attract some of the older population in this area who support athletics program at the school. The potential for something happening is always going to be there, and our focus is to be prepared.”
– Attributed Source, The Villages Daily Sun
