CLUB LEARNS FROM FIRE OFFICIALS — Members of the Wintersville Women’s Club received a visit during their monthly meeting from officials at the Wintersville Fire Department on Thursday. The program’s theme was, “Have a Heart,” and featured Wintersville Fire Chief Austin Reagan and Joe Vergona, firefighter and paramedic. The duo spoke to those in attendance about the process used to perform CPR to save a life and demonstrated how to use an AED machine. Those taking part in the demonstration included from left, Vergona, Reagan and upcoming vice president Karen Josefczyk.
— Julie Stenger
WINTERSVILLE — The 27 members and two guests attending Thursday’s Wintersville Woman’s Club meeting at St. Florian Hall had the opportunity to hear from officials of the Wintersville Fire and Rescue Department.
Club President Cheryl Taylor presided over the meeting, introducing the monthly program entitled, “Have a Heart.”
Wintersville Fire Chief Austin Reagan and firefighter and paramedic Joe Vergona spoke on the topics of how to perform CPR, how to use an AED machine, what to do if someone is choking and how to realize if you might be having a heart attack.
Throughout their demonstrations, each answered questions from the audience. Reagan said to ensure CPR is being done correctly, make sure you are giving “adequate compressions” and the beats per minute are done to the tune of “Staying Alive.” This will get you the 100 to 120 beats per minute needed, he said.
Emergency response time is usually two to three minutes, Reagan said. He stated to continue using continuous compressions — even if you forget the numbers, because “you can’t kill a dead person.”
Vergona noted paramedics are using pocket masks instead of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
The men stressed the importance of making eye contact with someone when the need to dial 911 arises.
“Rather than everyone standing around looking at each other and wondering what to do,” look directly at an individual and instruct them to dial 911, he noted.
The men said AED machines will speak and provide step-by-step instructions. Those operating the AED should never remove the pads themselves. Wait for a paramedic. Choking was another topic covered, with department officials saying “encourage the person to cough” and if they cannot, they are not getting air and the Heimlich maneuver should be performed.
Heart attacks also were explained. Women can have different symptoms than men, including leg, abdominal or back pain. To assist yourself until help can arrive, chew four baby or one regular aspirin, relax as best you can and a nitroglycerin if you have one.
“Don’t wait,” Reagan cautioned. “Call 911 immediately.”
“I think we have the best volunteer fire department in Ohio,” Reagan and Vergona concluded. “Never believe you are bothering us,” or are unsure whether you should call if you think it’s an emergency. “We are public servants here for you,” they added. “We are like the Geek Squad at Best Buy.”
Following the program, members discussed their current project. Donations of small items are being sought and will be awarded as bingo prizes for residents at the Gables Care Center.
Meditation and grace were given by Judy Weaver.
Karen Josefczyk led the Pledge of Allegiance and club collect. Roll call was taken by Michalene King, who posed the question, “Have you taken a CPR class?” Each member provided their response, with almost all answering “yes.”
The minutes of the Jan. 18 were approved and the reading of the treasury report was given by Treasurer Karen Hill.
Corresponding Secretary Aimee Jaros read thank-you letters from Wintersville Good Neighbors, United Nations Foundation for Shot at Life and the Trinity TEAR Fund — which served as a cancer fund donation to the Teramana Cancer Center.
Committee reports were read, with Judy Ostrowsky reporting on arts and culture. Ostrowsky stated members made 97 heart decorations and distributed to residents at Sienna Woods and Magnolia Manor.
Claudia Dorich reported on environment, saying the committee is waiting for bags to send the additional tennis shoes collected for the needy.
Barb Grimm spoke on health and wellness, encouraging members to continue bringing in used eyeglasses for the Lions Club.
Mary Beth Allan reminded members to bring a friend to a meeting and welcomed the two visitors in attendance.
Pat Ketzell reported on fundraising, saying she had secured additional Sarris candy bars to sell.
Hill announced the club is selling GFWC Woman’s Club pens for $1. She noted members will hold a fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse May 23. To receive credit, diners must present a flier to their server. Hill distributed fliers and will have more available prior to the date.
Claudia Dorich reported for the scholarship committee, informing members she has taken applications for a state scholarship, due March 1, and the club scholarship, due March 15, to high school guidance counselors. Dorich noted she and Ketzell have modified the club application.
Taylor announced anyone interested in attending Legislation Day on March 23 at the Area Agency on Aging in Cambridge should contact her. She added those wanting to go to Columbus for the OFWC Convention on April 19-21 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Dublin, should contact her, as well.
Ketzell said the Barnesville Woman’s Club will hold a Designer Purse Bash from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. April 7. Those interested should notify her, she commented.
The next meeting will be held at noon March 21 at St. Florian Hall. The program will be “March into Spring.” The project will be rain ponchos and umbrellas being donated to a local womens’ shelter.