In the Spring of 2015, the County was notified that the Florida League of Cities was accepting safety grant applications to assist local government entities with the costs to purchase AEDs for their facilities. The County applied for the grant and was notified in May 2015 that their grant application had been approved and that Nassau County would be awarded $2,634, with a 50% match required. The County subsequently ordered 7 AEDs and 7 wall cabinets to be placed in various County facilities.
The AEDs were received in July and Nassau County Fire/Rescue began conducting individual departmental trainings to teach staff how to use them. Training curriculum included:
- An overall working knowledge of CPR
- Safety for both victims and rescuers
- How to turn on the AED
- Where to place the electrodes
- How to deliver the shocks
- Hands-on practice for each staff member
Brief sessions of about 30-60 minutes are an effective way to provide employees with initial training on how to operate AEDs, and is helpful in keeping their skills fresh.
Nassau County Fire Rescue offers FREE hands-on CPR training to businesses and community organizations including civic groups, sports associations, and churches. Please note that this type of free training does not include official CPR Certifications. To schedule a training, please contact Nassau County Fire/Rescue Headquarters at (904) 491-7525.
-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office