Graceyn Reeves of Tarkio performs the two-finger chest compressions used in infant CPR during a training exercise led by Ashlee Driskell, R.N., at the Tarkio Community Building. (Summer Reeves photo)

Twenty-five area residents attended CPR training exercises at Tarkio Community Building Wednesday and Thursday, February 22 and 23, 2023. The free training was provided by Ashlee Driskell, R.N., of Tarkio, who is the Director of Nursing at Community Hospital-Fairfax in Fairfax, Missouri.

Besides teaching the attendees the basics of how to perform lifesaving CPR on infants through adults, Ashlee also taught everyone how to perform the heimlich maneuver on adults and children and how to help choking infants. She also went through the steps of how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which are becoming more prevalent at schools, businesses, and churches.

Several of the attendees had received some form of CPR training in the past, but for most, the refresher course was much needed as the rules and techniques have changed over the years. For others, it was the first time they’ve ever been shown what to do in this type of emergency. Although Atchison County is full of nurses, doctors, paramedics, first responders, firemen and other medical professionals who can easily provide CPR to those in need, in some instances, those people will not be around when a person goes down. Knowing what to do until they get there – and even be able to assist them when they are there – is a major step in the right direction in saving someone’s life.

Ashlee will hold another CPR training session at the Tarkio Community Building this Tuesday, February 28, at 5:30 p.m. for those who were unable to attend.