Firefighter Jamie Gagnon, left, and Rochester Fire Chief TJ DuBois demonstrate the L.U.C.A.S. chest compression device on a training mannequin during the August CPR class.

Text and Photos
By Libby Hubbard
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Fire Department is providing free CPR and first aid classes on the third Wednesday of every month, excluding October and December, to help community members respond quickly and safely in emergencies.

The monthly sessions, co-led by Fire Chief TJ DuBois and Firefighter Jamie Gagnon, cover basic life support, including CPR on adults and infants, the use of automated external defibrillators, and first aid procedures such as treating burns, chemical exposures, bleeding and fractures.

Firefighter Jamie Gagnon practices chest compressions on an infant CPR mannequin during training at the Rochester Fire Department.

Participants practice on mannequins and receive hands-on instruction for real-life scenarios.

DuBois and Gagnon emphasize proper glove use to prevent the spread of pathogens.
What may seem like a simple task comes with important precautions in the medical field.

“It’s not recommended that you blow into them — you’ll get moisture in there, which can make things worse,” DuBois said. When removing gloves, participants are instructed to roll them inside out to keep contaminants contained. The sessions also cover the differences between nitrile and latex gloves and stress the importance of checking for allergies before use.

Classes begin with first aid basics, then move into CPR and AED training.

Participants are required to perform at least two minutes of CPR on adult and infant mannequins and operate an AED during the session.

The class concludes with a group test to ensure understanding of key concepts, though those already certified as Heart Savers may opt out of the basic life support portion.

The courses also educate participants on recognizing the severity of burns, including chemical, electrical and thermal injuries. “If the burn reaches muscle tissue, patients need to be transported to specialized burn centers,” DuBois said, noting that Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis and Bronson Burn and Wound Center Kalamazoo handle the most severe cases in the region.

The Rochester Fire Department, located on SR 14 in Fulton County, hosts monthly CPR and First Aid training sessions for the community.

Other first aid topics include splinting broken bones, managing neck and head injuries, and handling mouth and nose bleeding.

The training equips daycare providers, parents and other community members with the skills to initiate emergency care and alert 9-1-1 immediately.

The monthly program is part of the department’s ongoing effort to improve public safety.

For more information or to register, contact the Rochester Fire Department at (574) 223-6113.