CPR/AED training available at Eglin

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  
Having the necessary training to save a life can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

Peggy Shepherd, a cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator instructor, offers classes here for military and civilian personnel who want to equip themselves with valuable life-saving skills.

Shepherd schedules CPR/AED classes around her primary job in the 96 Test Wing plans and programs office. 

She said she takes CPR/AED training seriously, and has made it a goal to train as many people as possible, on and off duty.

"I love to teach and I'm passionate about making a difference," she said.  "I always hope my students won't have to use these skills, but my goal is to ensure that if they do have to use them, they feel comfortable with the training they've received and are ready.  You can't put a price tag on the ability to save a life."

She found an opportunity to teach emergency response procedures when she answered a request from the base hospital. 

"I needed to re-certify as a responder, and I couldn't find any classes," Shepherd said.  "At the same time, the 96th Medical Group asked volunteer responders to become instructors.  I decided to become part of the solution."

Shepherd said CPR involves a series of prescribed steps used to revive anyone who experiences cardiac arrest, whether they are an adult, a child or an infant.  There is more to CPR than assisting a victim with breathing and giving chest compressions, she added.

"In an emergency where breathing has stopped, there's a sense of urgency to do many things quickly - including making sure the scene, victim, and bystanders are safe; getting a trained responder to the scene; beginning CPR procedures; getting an AED; calling 911 and getting advance care emergency responders to the scene," said the eight-year-instructor.

Two important requirements for certification are that a person is physically able to perform CPR procedures and operate an AED, a device often used in conjunction with administering CPR to deliver a shock to a victim's heart and hopefully kick-start a shock-able rhythm.

"CPR/AED does require some exertion," she said.  "The physical ability to move an individual, or to kneel down on the ground and take care of an individual, is absolutely necessary.  A combination of CPR and AED use can give a victim the best possibility of survival."

Complete CPR/AED qualification isn't necessary to assist in an emergency, according to Shepherd.

"I've had people attend my classes who were not physically qualified, but they left with enough knowledge to assist a qualified CPR/AED responder," she said.  "It takes a team effort to keep someone alive in an emergency situation."

Shepherd provided life-saving skills to 10 people at a June 19 CPR class.

"This training has certainly granted me the confidence necessary to try and prolong a life," said Airman 1st Class Misty Duvall, a 96th Comptroller Squadron financial services technician.

Shepherd recalled an experience where the CPR/AED training she passed on assisted in saving a life on Eglin.

"I had the opportunity to meet someone at work a few years ago, who had 'died' at work," she said.  "His heart actually stopped beating, but it was still quivering.  There were five responders present; one who was one of my former students.  The five of them kept the person going until the emergency responders arrived.  Three weeks later, I had the opportunity to shake his hand.  It was a most gratifying experience."

She believes as Eglin's workforce gets older, CPR/AED qualification is especially important.

"We work in a climate that gets extremely hot and humid," she said.  "We have an aging population here, who are considered high-risk for cardio and respiratory issues.  Any number of situations can trigger a cardiac emergency.  The more people we train to respond to health-related emergencies, the better the chances of survival for our co-workers, friends and possibly our family members."

Shepherd normally offers quarterly on-base CPR classes in Bldg. 1.  Depending on need and with advanced notice, she can give classes at other work centers. 

To schedule the free CPR/AED training with Shepherd, call 882-8008.

CPR/AED classes are also taught regularly by 96 MDG's Education and Training.  To register for a 96 MDG class, call 883-8081, 883-9087 or 883-8936.