Disaster volunteers help local families in need
Feb 10, 2010Pekin: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Disaster Action Team (DAT) Captain Bill Shipley and Andrew Richey responded to a ruptured sewage pipe at a home in Pekin. Three different families were living in the home, a total of eight people. The Red Cross provided a one night’s stay at a local hotel until they can get their home cleaned.
Peoria: At 12:15 a.m. Feb. 10, DAT Captain Shipley and Richey responded to a fire on Arago Street. The family of five was home when the fire started in an upstairs bedroom. Everyone was able to leave the home safely. The Red Cross provided assistance for food, clothing and a stay at a local hotel.
San Jose: 3:30 a.m. Feb. 12, the home of two elderly gentlemen was destroyed by a fire. The Red Cross was contacted by the San Jose fire department, and later that evening DAT Captain Shipley met with the men in Pekin. The owner of the home had recently had back and hernia surgery while his friend lost his glasses in the fire and also has medical needs. The Red Cross provided assistance for food, clothing, lodging at a hotel and medical assistance.
Read MoreHeartland Heroes Dinner to be held May 15, 2010
Feb 5, 2010Central Illinois is full of unsung heroes. Your local Red Cross knows it’s important to recognize people whose commitment and courage make a difference. That’s why, every year, we honor those who stand out in a crowd at our Heartland Heroes Dinner to be held this year at 6 p.m. on May 15, 2010 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria.
Who should I nominate?
Heroes are everywhere, if you take the time to look. In particular, the Red Cross wishes to recognize:
YOUTHS:
Youths under 18 who show personal bravery or devotion to a greater cause. Think of outstanding students, scholars, athletes, Scouts and young leaders you know.
PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS:
Health-care, military or public safety professionals who go above and beyond to answer the call to service. Think of the EMTs, doctors, nurses, police, firefighters, soldiers, sailors, Marines, Guardsmen or airmen you know.
GOOD CITIZENS:
People in our community who display exceptional courage or dedication to a greater cause. Think of your friends and neighbors who devote their time and talent to serving the community.
Click here to nominate your hero.
For general information about this year’s dinner, click here.
Click here if you would like to find out how to be a sponsor of the Heartland Heroes dinner.
A Valentine’s Vow: Make your loved ones a promise to learn CPR
Feb 3, 2010Gene Carroll didn’t recall much of what happened on the day he almost died.
But the Pekin man was sure of one thing: “The doctor said if the school hadn’t had a defibrillator and someone who knew how to use it, I wouldn’t be here today.” A year ago — Jan. 21, 2009 — Carroll was attending a basketball game at Beverly Manor School in Washington. Suddenly, he fell backward in the bleachers. Witnesses say that he stopped breathing.
Luckily, several spectators rushed to his side and performed CPR. One man, a school administrator, grabbed the automated external defibrillator (AED). Their quick thinking saved Carroll’s life.
“Thank God for the assistant principal and everyone else involved,” he wrote.
Carroll’s story is incredible, but not unique. In the past couple of years, the lives of at least eight other central Illinois residents have been saved by bystanders who gave CPR.
According to the Red Cross, each year 300,000 Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, when CPR is performed immediately after an arrest, it can double a person’s chance of survival. That’s because cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs and tissues. It increases the amount of time during which a shock from an AED can be effective. It’s a link in the cardiac chain of survival. Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of death for all ages. Would you know what to do if a loved one, co-worker or stranger had a heart attack?
“Our goal is to have at least one person in every household trained in First Aid, CPR and AED skills,” says Traci Johnston, Red Cross director of health services.
This Valentine’s Day, make a vow to learn CPR or to renew your certification. It’s a gift from the heart, for the heart.
Read More