Ghislaine Garric, retired from the knitting, crochet, and sewing workshop of the Culture et Loisirs association, invited the departmental fire and rescue service (SDIS) to provide first aid training for its members. The highlight was an introduction to using a defibrillator, given by Lieutenant Fabrice Mestdagh, the head of the fire department in Auch, at the town’s community hall.
Having a defibrillator in public places has become essential, but knowing where to find it and how to use it is key. Defibrillation is a medical procedure involving administering an electric shock to the heart to correct serious arrhythmias, like ventricular fibrillation, in order to restore normal heart rhythm with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The professional detailed the various steps to take in the event of a cardiac emergency, involving the audience. The theoretical part covered first aid techniques to avoid worsening the situation, how to inform emergency services, and emphasized the importance of citizens being at the center of their own safety.
During the practical session, some participants practiced securing a person on their side, performing chest compressions on a mannequin, and using the AED. Other topics like burns, strokes, bleeding, and wounds were also discussed, keeping the attentive audience informed.
