ELYSBURG - The Housing Authority of Northumberland County sponsored a first aid and life saving technique training for its board members and employees and college students who work in the clerical and maintenance departments at the housing authority under its summer youth program June 22 at Knoebels Amusement Resort.
Barb Thomas, registered nurse and clinic nurse specialist; Irene Mallick, registered nurse and home care coordinator, and Marc Varano, marketing and outreach specialist from Life Geisinger in Kulpmont, provided a presentation on basic first aid and life saving training.
On a daily basis, all housing authority staff members are involved in face-to-face interaction with potential clients and current residents of one of seven family and elderly complexes. The training session provided basic knowledge and skills that will help each employee deal with real life situations.
Edward Christiano, executive director of the county housing authority, said, "Basic first aid training provides people the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond effectively in an emergency situation until emergency medical services personnel arrive. Generally, there is a lack of awareness for the need for this type of training within the community at large, whether it is in public areas or in the workplace, or even at home. Being able to recognize signs and symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke, or how to manage choking in a responsive victim can save lives."