“Fire Hurts... Red Cross Helps”

A publication of the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Spring 2013

redcrosstalk

The Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada partner to raise $300,000

While they were shopping, they heard a loud thud. Jason didn’t think much of it until he heard the terrified cries of a woman in the next aisle. He rushed over to find a man, lying on the floor unconscious and bleeding from the head.

Remembering his CPR training, Jason checked the scene and told a bystander to call 911. He checked for breathing – it was shallow and faint. He checked for a pulse – nothing. “That scared me into action,” said Jason.

He began performing compression-only CPR while a bystander held a cell phone to his ear with the 911 operator on the line. Jason continued CPR for roughly

10 minutes while giving the operator updates on the man’s condition. When paramedics arrived they took over, provided advanced medical care, and then transported the man to the hospital.

According to a Smith’s representative, the fire chief returned and informed the store manager that the man had a good chance at making a full recovery thanks to Jason.

American Red Cross trains everyday people, from mothers and fathers to students and professionals, to be life savers. Register for first aid and CPR training by going to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2707).

Jumping into ActionOn Nov. 11, 2012, Jason Moriset and his wife had just arrived at their local Smith’s supermarket... Lance Early, PHSS - Contributing Writer

Many people think it won’t happen to them but every 23 hours here in Southern Nevada, a family loses their home to a fire. Timely targeted Red Cross aid can mean the difference between a family having hope and a family left homeless. Recognizing the importance of this campaign, the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada (PFFN) have joined the Red Cross to help raise awareness of the need in our community.

Last year, the Southern Nevada Chapter helped more than 1,300 people affected thru emotional support and aid totaling more than $228,000.

This year’s campaign launched on January 4 with support from: Henderson Professional Fire Fighters Local 1883, Henderson Fire Fighters Benevolent Association, GCA Environmental, Harbro Construction, Basch Construction, National Security Technologies, GraEagle Construction and United Way.

Donate to the Fire Hurts…Red Cross Helps Campaign at www.redcrosslasvegas.org, (702) 369-3674 or return the enclosed envelope with your donation. Your donation will be used to help the families in our community in their most desperate hour of need.

“That scared me into action.” - J. Moriset

Volunteer Dana Cartie - Photographer

Do Smart Phone Apps Really Do Anything?With the assistance of a nearby spectator who spoke Spanish, and another who had a blanket, Joey was able to treat the woman for shock. For Joey, this was just another instance of where his Red Cross first aid training had helped him to assist others in need. However, something occurred to him later. He realized that he had gained more

confidence than he had in past situations like this one.

The phone application contributed to Joey’s confidence. “You don’t really realize what affect using the application has on you, until you find yourself using your training, and feeling confident that you’re doing it right.”

Joey knows that the application can’t replace the certification courses that the American Red Cross provides, but he insists that, “the app acts like a constant refresher course between your actual certificate renewal courses.”

To download the American Red Cross First Aid go to iTunes, Google Play, or—just follow the QR codes above.

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Preparedness Health and Safety employee Joey Bombara says, “Absolutely!”

Check out all of the Red Cross apps by searching “Red Cross”

Volunteer Dana Cartie - Contributing Writer

Lately it seems there are phone applications for everything. Some “apps” help us to pass the time when we’re bored, some help keep us organized, and others teach us something new. But what if there was an application that did all of these things and more? Joseph “Joey” Bombara has found just such an app.

Joey started using the American Red Cross First Aid app because it was part of his job with the Preparedness, Health and Safety Services division of the Red Cross. But he found himself using it more

often because he loved the challenge of getting the “badges” awarded for learning a section. Having already taken the First Aid classes through the Red Cross, Joey wasn’t thinking about how the application might be helping him—until recently.

Not too long ago, Joey came across an accident on his way to work. At the scene, a pregnant woman was starting to go into shock and Joey quickly went to her aid.

Google Play

iTunes

It can be difficult to dedicate an entire day to attending training, no matter how important that training may be. There’s a solution to that now—Blended Learning.

Blended Learning combines online learning with in-person skills training conducted by a Red Cross-certified instructor. The new blended learning courses, for First Aid/CPR/AED and CPR/AED, build the same knowledge and skills as our traditional classroom training courses while providing another option for learning these important lifesaving skills.

The blended learning online session offers students a variety of elements to learn program content including videos, lesson narration and special features. Students must

pass the assessment at the end of the online session in order to move on to the in-person session.

Once the online session has been successfully completed, students practice skills and are assessed by

the instructor during the in-person skills session.

For information on our blended learning courses, and to sign up for a class, go to: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class.

Shorter Classes, Because You Can Learn At Home!More training options for people on the go

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Are you interested in helping the Red Cross when a disaster strikes? Take a moment now and circle the week of January 14 on your calendar.

“We are going to have an amazing ‘one stop shop’ for disaster training that week,” said Emergency Services Volunteer Associate Lindsay Whitmer. “We want to beef up the volunteer staff and have a much larger base to pull from in Southern Nevada.”

Courses will range from the basic Chapter Response to Disaster to specialized courses like Health Services Response Workshop and Psychological First Aid.

To get more information about the courses, or to register for the training, go to:

http://www.redcrosslasvegas.org/Disaster_Training.php

Volunteer Stacey Dee - Contributing Writer

To Andy McNeil, there is nothing better than planning a long backpacking trip with friends and family. “We’ve been going back to the East Coast and doing the Appalachian Trail there.” Sometimes, though, the trips test him to his limits. His hardest trip was to Glacier National Park where hiking 70 miles and high elevation tested everything he had.

“Once you hit that high elevation, you’re worried about getting back to camp and nothing else,” But tough challenges bring balance into a world that can sometimes be overtaken with business, and appointments. Andy feels that the Red Cross provides balance to his life.

At a young age, he remembers family members being involved with Red Cross. Now, it gives his life great meaning to know he is helping the community and the country through Red Cross efforts. Not only

is Andy a member of the board, but he’s donated about 12 gallons of blood over the years.

For Andy, the Red Cross creates a connection that pulls everyone together like family. “Whether it’s on the backpacking trail, or in an emergency, we can all help each other get through the tough challenges.”

Volunteer Highlight:Andy McNeilBoard of Directors Chair

Get Ready...Training for volunteers interested in Disaster Response

Volunteer Tony Timmons - Contributing Writer

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Volunteer Dana Cartie - Contributing Puzzle Designer

Non-Profit OrgUS Postage PaidLas Vegas, NV

Permit #55Southern Nevada Chapter

1771 E. Flamingo Road

Suite 206-B

Las Vegas, NV 89119

702-791-3311

Save the Date!

MLK Day of Service

Monday, Jan. 21, 2013

1-4pm

Various Locations

We’re calling for volunteers to help us

canvass 4 neighborhoods with fire prevention info.

Great activity for your group. Open to ages

12 and up.

Go to www.redcrosslasvegas.org

to sign up!

www.redcrosslasvegas.org

https://twitter.com/SNVRedcross

http://ww.facebook.com/SNVRedCross

The Brooklyn Bridge at New York-New York (NYNY) Hotel and Casino was packed on Sunday, Dec. 9th, when supporters enjoyed the culinary delights of celebrity chefs, and Las Vegas restaurants, as well as tasty libations for “Start Spreadin’ the News,” an event to raise money for the Red Cross response on the east coast. 100% of the $100 per person ticket went to the American Red Cross.

Michael Severino of Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada (SWSN) moved mountains to coordinate countless companies and volunteers for the gastronomic event. The U.S. Bartenders Guild, Backbar USA, Henderson Fire Dept. Honor Guard and the Desert Skye Pipe and Drums all donated their time and supplies, and Celebrity chefs Scott Conant and Francois Payard both attended. Mayor Carolyn Goodman spoke as well, and recognized the work of the Red Cross and its volunteers both in Southern Nevada and in NY and NJ. Bands and entertainers delighted the party goers all afternoon.

When SWSN’s Managing Partner Larry Ruvo took the stage, he acknowledged the hard work of everyone and thanked the

attendees for raising money by buying tickets. He then surprised everyone in attendance by announcing that SWSN would add to the

day’s donations by whatever it took to make the figure an even $100,000! The crowd went wild.

We’re humbled by the members of the community who mobilized quickly and, through their compassion, make amazing things happen. Thank you, everyone!

In a New York State of Mind“Start Spreadin’ the News” raises $100,000 for Hurricane Sandy Victims