Be Prepared - It takes a community

It takes a community of people to make a difference, and that’s what happened at the Aquia Harbour Volunteer Rescue Squad Training Center on Saturday, February 23rd. High school students from our community got together and received hands-on training in emergency situations. They learned how to use an epi-pen, how to splint, the proper way to perform CPR compressions, and how to assist when someone is choking. They finished the morning with a tour of one of our medic units led by our volunteer duty crew.
In addition, the participants were given a presentation on adolescent mental health from guest speaker Sherry Norton, a Suicide Prevention Instructor & REVIVE - overdose reversal Instructor with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board. Mental health is a growing concern in America even right here in Stafford County. The most recent annual CDC Youth Risk Behaviors Survey states that the number one cause of death for adolescents aged 13-25 is suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, directly ask them if they are planning on killing themselves to start this important conversation. The suicide prevention lifeline is always available at 1-800-273-TALK.
This event was all organized by high school senior Ellen Poe, one of our members. This project was completed as her Girl Scout Gold Award. Each participant was given handouts during each activity to review later, and to share with others to become peer-educators in our community. In this way, we will educate each other, and begin the conversation so that adolescent suicide will no longer be the primary mode of death for our children.

Ellen Poe is a hIgh school senior and EMT- B. She joined the Squad in April of 2018