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Farmers Branch Fire Department

Free classes empower residents with life-saving skills

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Residents now have access to critical life-saving training through comprehensive Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification courses offered four times a year at the Fire Administration building.

“We are very happy we can offer these classes for free,” said Farmers Branch Fire Inspector/Fire Prevention Training Coordinator Wendi Kimpton. “It’s an important service every fire department should offer.”

These classes, taught by Emergency Medical Services Captain Terry Evans, equip community members with the confidence and skills needed to respond effectively in a cardiac emergency.

“You have a four-minute window to start CPR or AED or your chance of survival greatly decreases,” said Evans. “The [Farmers Branch Fire Department] response time is about five minutes. We are behind the eight ball if no one is doing CPR or AED before we arrive.”

The course, typically lasting two to three hours, covers both adult and pediatric CPR techniques, proper use of AEDs, how to correctly dial 9-1-1, as well as other life-saving information. Participants also receive hands-on training with practice manikins and AED simulators, ensuring they feel ready for a real-world scenario.

“Most people have never touched an AED machine or conducted CPR. They don’t know what to do,” said Evans. “I recommend residents come to this class. They will learn a lot.” 

Recent updates to CPR guidelines have brought changes to the training curriculum Evans offers. The American Heart Association now emphasizes the importance of high-quality chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute. The curriculum also includes training on hands-only CPR, meaning there is no longer a need for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation breaths.

“You’re actually getting air circulation if you’re doing good compressions,” said Evans. “Permitting the chest to fully recoil allows the oxygen to go in and out.”

The classes incorporate the latest AED technologies, including newer models with real-time feedback features that guide rescuers on compression depth and rate. These advanced devices are user friendly and becoming increasingly common in several spaces throughout Farmers Branch, including government buildings, the library, the Community Recreation Center, Aquatics Center and parks.

Farmers Branch resident Lorraine Markwardt recently completed the CPR and AED training. She said the information she learned helped save a life. “We had a parishioner have a heart attack, and we saved her using the AED we had at the church.”

During training, Evans also addresses the psychological aspects of emergency response, teaching residents how to manage stress and maintain composure during crisis situations. 

"It gave me confidence and took away a little bit of the nervousness,” said Markwardt. “I now know what to do in a [cardiac] emergency."

Evans says residents ask a lot of questions during training, including what happens if they accidentally hurt someone while performing emergency cardiac care. 

“If you're doing CPR right, you will break someone’s ribs,” said Evans. “But as long as you’re trying your best, the Good Samaritan Law will protect you. That is a relief to a lot of people.”

For those hesitant about taking a class, Evans has a simple message: "Most cardiac arrests happen in the home. This means it’s your loved one – your mom, dad or your child. Some day you may need to do this [CPR and AED]. Learn it and spread the knowledge."