Story and Photos by Kathy Dill
The American Red Cross of Northern Colorado partnered with Larimer and Weld counties, Poudre Fire Authority, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Collins Office of Emergency Management hosted an all-day Family Safety and Emergency Preparedness Expo on October 5, 2019, that was free and open to the public.
The many organizations involved delivered presentations and safety information through fun and interactive demonstrations meant to inform and entertain the whole family. Families were able to view emergency response equipment and given information on emergency preparedness in order to help protect themselves from potential accidents and natural disasters.
In addition to the presentations, attendees could visit booths featuring dozens of other organizations who answered questions and provided resources. The American Red Cross provided free training and preparedness classes. “We had a great turnout at the Expo training sessions,” said Tony Suarez, Disaster Program Manager for Northern Colorado. “We taught hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed.”
– Lenny Laymen of Loveland Fire Rescue Authority teaches Scouts about the new Salamander system being used for emergency responders.
– Northern Colorado Preparedness Lead, Bill Sutherland teaches hands only CPR to a young attendee.
Don Johnson of The Lauren Projects deliver lifesaving information about carbon monoxide to Expo attendees.
Tony Suarez teaches attendees the importance of preparedness.
Lorraine Janson, Northern Colorado’s Disaster Health Services lead, exhibits information about the American Red Cross Safe & Well program.
Many people who survive a cardiac emergency are helped by a bystander. Hands-only CPR teaches participants what to do in the event they witness someone collapse and it can save lives. The American Heart Association recommends it for anyone who doesn’t take the certified CPR classes.
Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign and call-to-action. Stop the Bleed is intended to encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.
Melissa Venable, Executive Director of the Northern Colorado chapter said, “There were over 50 participants who were very eager to learn these lifesaving skills, many local Scouts working towards merit badges. Thank you to all of our Red Cross Volunteers that made these sessions successful!”
The Expo is an annual event held at The Ranch in Loveland, Colorado and it grows every year with more resources for the public. The American Red Cross is thankful for our community partners who help us to keep everyone prepared for any type of emergency.