How to Save a Life

Hawaii Life Flight has saved countless lives around the islands, but in life-threatening situations, they want local communities to be the first line of defense.

In that spirit, the emergency air medical service will provide a free CPR and First Aid training on Saturday, July 31, in the Molokai General Hospital (MGH) dining room.

Participants will practice CPR on inflatable mannequins that they will then be able to take home. Since this is not a certified class, practice will be essential to properly learn the skills.

It’s helpful “to learn the life saving skills should [someone] get into an emergency cardiac episode, so at least [you] have the knowledge,” said Kat Revuelto, Hawaii Life Flight’s business development manager.

There is a 30-person limit for the course, held from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., because the mannequins and CPR kit will be given for free to the participants.

“For CPR, you really have to do it hands-on,” Revuelto added.

The course will also allow for common medical questions, such as how to treat a cut or how to handle the common cold. Similar classes have been given in other rural areas, including Hana, where it was well received.

“We focus more in rural communities, because [CPR certification is] not something that’s readily available [there],” Revuelto said.

Punahele Alcon, an administrator at MGH, said CPR classes – for large groups and one-on-one — are available there upon request.

While space is limited, there still may be room to sign up for the July 31 CPR & First Aid Training. For information and to sign up, call 553-3123. For information on Molokai General Hospital’s CPR classes, call Cora Harris at 553-3189.