CPR Training

CPR saves lives!

In an emergency, seconds matter. By knowing basic life-saving skills, like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), could mean the difference between life or death for a loved one or a stranger. If CPR is started promptly, a person’s chance of survival goes up drastically.

The Iona McGregor Fire District offers several different CPR classes to residents and businesses in our community. By attending one of the classes, you will leave feeling more confident and comfortable, if you are ever in a situation where help is needed. Our district offers a free program called Friends and Family CPR. We also offer Heartsaver CPR, a credentialed class through the American Heart Association (AHA), and BLS Provider, for a fee. All of our classes our taught by Iona McGregor firefighters, who are certified as CPR instructors. You will learn the skills needed to perform CPR for patients of all ages, how to use an AED, and how to help someone who is choking.

The courses all begin by answering the question, “Why do I want to know CPR?” As the AHA says, “life is why.” For the Iona McGregor Fire District, it is our responsibility to protect lives. Through these programs, we are able to engage with our community to do just that.

CPR can assist someone’s heart and/or breathing by doing just chest compressions or chest compressions with breaths. Just think about the difference you could make in someone’s life if you learned how to perform CPR and use an AED.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. While this isn’t the sole reason CPR would be needed, it is one of the major medical issues when CPR is administered.

Earlier this year, we learned a few of our past CPR class attendees, saved lives. A man saved his wife’s life after she choked on a piece of hamburger. Another successful save was by a couple of residents at Majestic Palms Condominiums, a local residential community. A man went into cardiac arrest and nearby residents were able to use an AED to save his life. We were told that the reason they had an AED on site is because of a CPR class they took with our district. And, just recently, while on a cruise, residents with Indian Creek saved the life of an 89-year-old man who was choking on food and then went unresponsive. The Indian Creek residents started CPR immediately and saved the man’s life. That man went on to celebrate his 90th birthday on the cruise and was back in the dining room the very next night.

These folks were able to take what they learned in one of our CPR classes and apply it to the emergency situation they were in. Because of their quick thinking and confidence in their abilities, these three people are alive and enjoying life today… and, we know there are many more!

There are a couple of communities in our district that have thought of a unique way to let their neighbors know who is CPR and AED trained. Communities, Indian Creek and Siesta Bay, give their residents red heart stickers to put in their home windows if they have taken one of our CPR classes. It’s a way of knowing there is help in and around the communities when and if needed.

“Most cardiac arrests events happen out of the hospital and in public places.  By learning and using CPR,  you can drastically increase the chances of allowing someone to have more time.  That means more time to hold their loved ones, more time to see their children and grandchildren grow, and more time to celebrate life.  Learn CPR and help someone have more time.” – Captain Brian Crisman, Iona McGregor Fire District.

“This CPR program saves lives and makes communities safer” – John Crowley, cardiac arrest survivor.

Always remember, CPR saves lives.

If you want to learn CPR or need to get re-certified or have a success story to share, please contact Megan Contreras, community relations and education coordinator, at [email protected].

 

 

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Making and installing Plywood Shutters

If your home is not protected by impact-resistant windows and doors or impact-resistant shutters or panels, consider building your own temporary emergency panels.

Making and installing Plywood Shutters

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Hurricane Myths

Some Hurricane Myths…

  • 54% of Americans think taping windows protects from hurricane damage, when in fact it is a waste of time and money and may prove to be dangerous. Permanent wind shutters provide the best protection against flying debris and wind.
  • 84% of Americans believe they need to evacuate based on wind speed, but in fact the greatest threat to life in a hurricane is flood and storm surge risk. Because hurricanes can be detected ahead of time, take heed of authorized evacuation warnings. Head for higher ground or evacuate to somewhere outside of the projected danger zone of the hurricane.
  • 69% of Americans believe that it costs more than $10,000 to strengthen their homes, when it can be done effectively for little more than $1000. Measures to protect against potential flooding and wind damage include reinforcing windows and roofs, waterproofing basements and elevating critical utilities.
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Home Fire Escape Plan

Mistakes Cost Lives. Plan Ahead. Draw Your Fire Escape Plan. Have a Plan for Anyone with a Disability…

Home Fire Escape Plan.

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Grilling Safety Tips

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Cook Safely! Prevent Kitchen Fires

Did you Know?  Cooking is the main cause of home fires and fire injuries. You can prevent cooking fires. Take these steps to keep your family safe!

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All Hazards Guide | Lee County 2016-2017

All Hazards Guide

Get the All Hazards Guide to Preparedness: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility. Lee County 2017-2018.

Here in Lee County it’s not just about hurricanes! The All Hazards Guide has information to answer your questions regarding most of the hazards we face in Southwest Florida. The All Hazards Guide has been published for more than 20 years with one simple goal – to help you and your community be better prepared for the hazards that can become a part of our life.

All Hazards Guide to Preparedness: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility

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Preventing Identity Theft While Traveling

When you leave your house to travel this summer, whether overseas or at a local hotel for a “staycation”, there are many things you are thinking about including packing suitcases, pet sitters, or
confirming reservations. Yet how many travelers think about protecting their identity? Here are some tips to help make your travel safer:

1. It’s always best to use cash or a credit card. If possible, don’t use your debit card as thieves can drain your bank account within minutes.
2. Take out information inside wallets, pockets and purses that are outdated or not needed for travel.
3. Password protect your smart phone in case it is lost or stolen to prevent someone from finding out personal information stored on your phone such as photos, e-mails, etc.
4. Use only secure WiFi networks that require passwords and turn off the WiFi connection settings to your smart phone. Beware of internet cafes, hotel computers, or other public internet access places where hackers are known to troll.
5. If possible use an ATM located inside a building and store your money in different locations as you travel. Be sure to tear up ATM receipts immediately.
6. Most hotel rooms have a safe so guests can lock up valuables and documents. This is the “safest” place to keep what is important to you, not in your suitcase or under the bed.
7. Don’t use your passport for all identification needs. Lock it up and use either your driver’s license or an identification card at restaurants and entertainment places.

For more information about these safety and security tips, or to report a fraud or scam, contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office fraud line at 258-3287.

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Pre-Hurricane Preparation Information

Every home should have a 72-Hour Disaster Survival kit. Ensure a minimum three-day (72 hours) supply for each person. Although hurricanes are our focus, other events could require evacuation. Brush fires, hazardous material spills, floods and tornados all have the potential to disrupt our daily activities. Here is a minimum suggested list of survival kit supplies…

Pre-Hurricane Preparation Information

Featured Image: ISO Class 2 Rating | Iona-McGregor Fire District | Fort Myers Florida

Iona-McGregor Fire District's ISO Rating Improved

The Iona-McGregor Fire Protection & Rescue Service District has been notified by the Insurance Service Office (ISO) that the fire protection rating for the District will be improving from a Class 4 to a Class 2. The ISO is a national insurance engineering service organization that assigns a public protection classification (PPC) to jurisdictions based on fire agency services and the rating is a metric that is used by insurance companies nationally as a standard for their premiums.

Iona-McGregor Fire District’s ISO Rating Improved