The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) offers training for BCIU employees and Berks County school district personnel who are required to have Pediatric First Aid / CPR Certification. Once training is complete, certification is valid for two years. On average, the BCIU trains an estimated 500 employees and school district personnel annually.
Utilizing the approved curriculum by the American Health and Safety Institute and the American Heart Association, two courses are offered: CPR / First Aid training (adults, children, and Automated External Defibrillator [AED]) which is typically used with school-age groups such as school paraprofessionals and transportation staff; and Pediatric First Aid with CPR training (adults, children, infants, and AED) which is typically used with early childhood programs. Participants may also include individuals beyond schools such as healthcare workers, emergency responders, nurses, and lifeguards. Instruction can be customized
as needed.
Mr. Rodney Good, BCIU Operations Safety and Training Supervisor, coordinates the CPR Certification, Basic Life Support, and First Aid Training program. He was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for over 30 years and has done CPR over 100 times. Mr. Good shared, “Unfortunately, only about 40% of those who experience an out-of- hospital cardiac arrest get the immediate help they need before professional help arrives. Bystander CPR improves survival. If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival.”
The lifesaving training that the BCIU provides ensures that Berks County educators and school district personnel are prepared in case of a medical emergency, such as choking or cardiac arrest. For more information on this program and how to sign up, contact Mr. Rodney Good at rodgoo@berksiu.org.