Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Chamber banquet a success

Gurdon Primary School hosted Red Cross Basic Aid Training (BAT) this week for the third and fourth grade.

Principal Rita Roe said Jonathan Allseitz, 10, was an example of why it was such a good thing to learn.

Allseitz saved his younger sister's life this past winter by understanding what was causing blockage in her throat and telling his mother, Penny Baker, how to get 19-month-old Gabrielle Baker's tongue out of the breathing passage.

Roe said, "They have been coming four or five years. It started out for just fourth graders, and now it includes training for third and fourth both.

"I think it is very beneficial. The children not only learn but enjoy it."

Skye Potter, assistant director for the Diamond Valley Chapter of the Red Cross, said morning training on Tuesday included instruction in CPR for adults and children.

In the afternoon, she and Vicki Phillips, volunteer Red Cross instructor, taught CPR for infants.

Techniques, such as abdominal thrusts to help choking victims, were described in detail. Red Cross representatives showed how to care for wounds, and the students learned how to prevent accidents or decrease the occurrence of injury.

Potter said training at GPS will continue through the week and some in next. Then there will be a break and the Red Cross will come back the first week of May, all week.

"We want to make sure all of the third and fourth graders get a chance to complete the BAT training," Potter said. "We tell them the proper way to call 9-1-1, being sure to stay on the telephone  to deal with an emergency."

She said they students are also told not to play with guns. Potter, who has been with the Red Cross since Dec. 1, is a native of Gurdon. She teaches the health and safety class, which is targeted for elementary school students.

"We can provide training for any age group at schools, industries etc.," she said. "Our Red Cross chapter covers five counties; Clark, Dallas, Pike, Grant, and Hot Spring. We work with small groups to do the training."

Phillips said she has been a Red Cross volunteer for a year. She teaches CPR at Alcoa in Gum Springs.

"I am there when it is time for recertification," she said. "I will teach CPR on April 20 for newly hired employees."

The Diamond Valley Chapter director is Debra LeMay.

As to their task at GPS, Vicki said she has noticed a big difference in teaching CPR techniques to adults verses children.

"For me, it is easier to teach the adults," Phillips said. "but I know them at the plant and I can anticipate their questions."

Potter said with children you have to work harder to keep their attention. She said it helps when teachers become enthusiastic about the Red Cross and what the meaning of this training really can be.

She said Pam Runyan, third grade teacher, is an example of a teacher who has her students primed for BAT.

Runyan said, "I think it is really worth it. It will make a difference in their lives, and it will help someone else's life. The students think they are just having fun, but they are really getting a valuable skill. We have two very patient and good instructors."