Training For Summer’s Risks

By COLlive staff

Summer is fast approaching with camps, bungalows and plenty of outdoor activities offering fun and excitement. But the warmer months often come along with safety and health risks as well.

In an effort to make this summer free from all the “scary stories” that have unfortunately become synonymous with this time of year, a Crown-Heights based medical training center is encouraging parents, camp staff and community members to be certified in CPR and First Aid.

The Comprehensive Medical Training Center (CMTC) was established with the goal of teaching critical lifesaving techniques necessary to respond to high stress emergencies.

Founder and co-director, Rochie Nash developed the innovative program after witnessing an incident during a summer hike in which nearly thirty individuals technically certified in CPR and First Aid were unable to give the most basic of care to a patient in dire need.

“It is astounding that someone could have a CPR certification in their wallet yet when push comes to shove, is completely helpless in an emergency,” explains Nash.

“Every second matters in real life scenarios. It is my goal that every student who walks out of a CMTC course is empowered to actually take charge and make a difference in what could be a life and death situation.”

Concerned community leaders advocate for emergency preparedness. “Our communities are built around camps and hundreds of children are often being cared in large groups or by very young counselors. Proper education and training is key to preventing and responding in life-threatening emergencies. It is an actual mitzvah for every parent and caretaker in any capacity to know and be able to perform CPR and first aid.”

CMTC looks to make effective CPR training available to the widest range of individuals. For summer 2013 it has expanded its offerings to a wide range of health and emergency response certifications.

“Our program seeks to raise the bar in instruction and ensure that when faced with an emergency, people know what to do,” says CMTC co-director Rena Greenberg. “Our instructors use a quick paced method to simulate real-life scenarios and make sure that our students don’t get bored. Our goal here is to save lives.”

To encourage all camps to properly certify their staff, CMTC is offering a limited Shluchim discount for all its courses. Crown Heights parents can also take advantage of an increased number of locally taught “Mom and Pop” CPR courses.

For more info, call 774-2-CMTCNY (774-226-8269) or email [email protected]. Find them on Facebook