Free immunization clinic Feb. 6 at Ranchos fire station

There is going to be a free immunization clinic at Fire Station 7 on Mitch Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos on 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. There were restrictions on who could get the vaccine and even some concern there would be enough for those who are want to get vaccinated. This clinic will be open to all ages with no restrictions, and there is plenty of the vaccine in both nasal spray and injection type.

Do you want to learn the skills to help save a life in an emergency situation? Most of us know that we are going to dial 911 if there is an emergency but do you know what information you need to give to the 911 operator when you call for help? Many of us have elderly parents living with us or other relatives that have health issues in the home but we may not want to take a full certification class. 

The Red Cross has developed a CPR Made Simple class to answer this need. It is about an hour long and teaches the critical first steps to take in those emergencies where a few minutes can mean the difference between not only life or death but whether there is any permanent brain damage if someone stops breathing. Participants have a chance to practice the compressions and breathing to get a feel for what is required. 

Couples have taken the class so they know what to do for their spouse. Bus drivers for senior centers and assisted living centers have taken it for their passengers. It has brought peace of mind to the travelers as well as the center providing the transportation. Some even gave classes as gifts for that person who has everything. As part of a grant through the Department of Defense, the Northern Nevada Chapter is able to offer most of these classes to service members and their families free of charge.

For those who want the full certification class, Red Cross offers that as well. Parents are choosing to take this class and add the child/infant CPR/first aid portion so they know what to do for their children. Teens and pre-teens who take care of younger siblings can take the baby-sitting certification class. They also learn how to run a business so the skills can be used in many parts of their lives, not just child care.

This year can be the one where you learn lifesaving skills and become more prepared for emergency situations including fire, earthquake, and floods. The more we learn the better we are able to survive disasters. We also can share the knowledge with others and help them get prepared. We may not be able to prevent accidents and disasters, but we can certainly the devastating effects by becoming more knowledgeable in preparedness skills.

For more information on any of the above classes, contact either the chapter office in Reno at 856-1000 or myself at the number below. Classes can be scheduled in your community.

Have a ramblin' good week.

Reach Gail Davis at 265-1947 or RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com