Community Corner
Teaching Life Saving Techniques at Mineola Library
Red Cross instructs students in use of CPR and defibrillators that can save lives.
Village residents got a chance to learn important life saving techniques at the last Saturday morning in a small classroom on the lower level next to the children’s center.
The class was taught by Ildi Catuogno, a certified instructor in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for both the American Heart Association and the .
A retiree from the Great Neck School District, Catuogno has been a certified as a New York State certified health education teacher for the past 30 years and still offers her services to the community and school districts.
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In Mineola she instructed a class of about 14 people in responding to emergencies, giving first aid, and disaster preparedness.
Students ranged in age from early twenties to mid-forties, with a few senior citizens attending as well. Many of those who came for the class were either new parents or newly minted educators and athletic coaches.
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The instructor used a variety of media to introduce the students to first aid preparedness, including making an emergency checklist to what to do if you come across someone in need of aid – a choking victim suffering from a severe allergic reaction, for example. The class showed what to do in each individual case for infants, children, adults and the elderly.
Catuogno also demonstrated how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in case of cardiac arrest. The AED is meant to be used by the average citizen in a community or workplace setting.
Students practiced in pairs as well as on first aid mannequins specifically designed to practice rescue breaths and chest compressions.
The seminar also outlined what to do in case of a catastrophic event like a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, like making a plan of action and having emergency provisions.
What Catuogno emphasized most of all is how prevention is key in every situation.
Another CPR/AED seminar tentatively scheduled for fall of 2011.
Residents interested in attending a CPR/AED seminar or looking to be certified in CPR/AED can contact her at: ildicatug@aol.com.
