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Red Cross Chapter Kicks Off
Disaster Relief Campaign
For more than 90 years,
the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross has been a
hero for thousands of people in our community, lending aid
during times of disaster, seeing to the welfares of the military
families, and providing citizens with lifesaving CPR and first
aid skills.
Now members of the
community are returning the favor by stepping forward to be
“Heroes” for the American Red Cross, each pledging to raise
$1,000 to keep vital services of the Red Cross alive and well in
Wayne County.
The 2008 “Heroes for
the American Red Cross” campaign kicked off on March 1st
and will conclude on June 30th.
“Heroes for the American
Red Cross” is a grassroots campaign in which local business
people, school groups, church groups, civic clubs, and
individuals pledge to raise $1,000, through any legal means they
chose, for the Wayne County Chapter. This year the Wayne County
Chapter has its sights set on raising $15,000 during the
campaign. The funds will be used to support Red Cross services,
such as local disaster relief assistance for fire and flood
victims, emergency military communications, first aid / CPR and
disaster preparedness training for the community.
All the money raised will
support your neighbors in Wayne County!
Last year, several local
families received Red Cross disaster assistance because their
homes were destroyed during floods. Like the local fire
victims, the Red Cross provided those families with new
clothing, groceries, prescription medication, eyeglasses,
household goods and emotional support.
Chez Suzette
of Newark has already committed to being a hero.
However, the Red Cross is looking for more heroes for the
campaign. If you, your neighbors, co-workers, or friends would
like to participate in raising funds for disaster relief please
contact Abbey at the American Red Cross at 315-331-3783.
Help us save a life!
Pliant
Corporation Honored With Red Cross Lifesaving Award
Newark, Monday March 17, 2008
— In 1974, the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross
began teaching residents in the community how to save lives by
using CPR skills to sustain life until medical personnel could
arrive. In the 34 years of offering these classes, the American
Red Cross has trained tens of thousands of people how to save a
life in Wayne County.
One year
ago this March, the employees of the Pliant Corporation in
Macedon put that lifesaving training to good use. Pliant
employee Clyde Howard of Macedon and Physical Therapist
consultant Curt DeWeese of Webster were part of an emergency
response team at the plant that when activated that day were
part of a chain of survival that saved their co-workers life.
Mr.
DeWeese described the initial scene; “When the plant sounded the
emergency tone indicating assistance was needed, I headed
towards the emergency”. “When I arrived on the scene, my
co-worker was lying on floor and another co-worker was kneeling
next to him cradling his head”. DeWeese stated that the man had
turned bluish purple and was unresponsive.
Within
minutes employee Clyde Howard arrived on the scene. “When I
arrived on the scene, I did a quick victim assessment which
revealed that he had no pulse or respiration” stated Howard.
Howard further stated that CPR needed to be started immediately.
As the
two employees began CPR, a call was placed to 911 and the
companies Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device was
grabbed and brought to the scene. DeWeese and Howard quickly
placed the AED pads on the patient and delivered a shock to the
patient’s heart. After two more CPR and AED shock sequences,
trained EMT’s arrived on the scene to take over.
Both
Howard and DeWeese were happy to report that 1 year later their
co-worker is alive and doing well. Pliant Corporation purchased
the AED 14 years ago and this was the first time they had used
the device.
Last
week, the American Red Cross honored Howard, DeWeese, and the
Pliant Corporation with the presentation of the Extraordinary
Employee Action Award for their heroic actions in saving their
co-workers life. Shown receiving the award from left to right
is Physical Therapist consultant Curt DeWeese of Webster, Sandy
Porpiglia, Director of Community Education for the American Red
Cross, and Pliant Corporation employee Clyde Howard of Macedon.
If your
company is interested in either CPR training or wants
information regarding the purchase of an AED device, please
contact the American Red Cross at 315-331-3783.
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