Fire department looks to revive CPR programs

The Eastlake Fire Department could restart a CPR program, thanks in part to a grant from the Willoughby Eagles.

The Eastlake Fire Department could be restarting its CPR programs and offerings, thanks in part to a grant from the Willoughby Eagles No. 2300.

During a recent Eastlake City Council meeting, Fire Chief Ted Whittington told council members that the $1,000 grant could help the department offer CPR programs again.

“That (grant) will help us to buy materials like books, maybe some supplies, we need to get some mannequins – things along that line,” Whittington said. “We’re working with the mayor, trying to figure out how to get that. But the goal would be eventually to have that program started in our community, so when someone in Eastlake needs a CPR class, we can say ‘come to Eastlake Fire Station and do it.’”

Firefighter Mike Kaska mentioned that the grant, which the department received last month, is specifically for fire departments to use for CPR equipment. He and Lt. Jeff Kirkner had applied for the grant.

CPR programs were offered by the fire department in the past and Whittington said that the department still receives calls asking for classes.

“That was one of the programs that suffered when we had to start shutting things down during the financial stuff that was going on in the community,” Whittington said. “We were actually very active in the city. We had some really good programs… When I joined the department, we put something together that people could take out at the library. It was one of the first in the region, that type of thing.”

“We get calls several times a week from people looking for CPR classes,” the chief added.

He also expressed appreciation for the Eagles and the members of the fire department who worked to earn the grant.