Lowcountry firefighters teach community lifesaving skills

BURTON, S.C. (WSAV)—When someone’s life is at risk, many people freeze or panic and firefighters in the Lowcountry want to curb the panic and prepare residents on what to do in case of an emergency.

To address the fight or flight dilemma, firefighters in the Lowcountry are taking proactive steps to prepare residents for emergencies where they may need to save a life.

The Burton Fire District (BFD) offers the Immediate Response Program for residents which is a class designed for groups or individuals throughout Beaufort County. The training covers essential lifesaving techniques including CPR, a skill that Burton firefighters emphasized that everyone should know.

Participants can also learn how to use a “Stop the Bleed” kit for trauma and first aid, and they receive opioid and Narcan awareness training in the event of an overdose.

BFD Captain Lee Levesque highlighted the importance of the program, noting that it empowers individuals to make a critical difference in their own lives or the lives of their loved ones.

“Two things kill the human body, lack of blood and lack of oxygen,” says Levesque. “But you couple that with time. The one thing as humans we’ve never been able to control, and we always find ourselves behind the eight ball when it comes to emergency services, police, fire and EMS. If we can have folks on the scene with the courage and knowledge to do something, to be the immediate responder before our first responders arrive, we can absolutely save countless lives all over the world, especially here in the Lowcountry.”

Levesque said that if you’re interested in taking the Immediate First Responders’ class, you can reach out to the BFD. Levesque told WSAV that this program is not just limited to the Burton area and that residents are encouraged to reach out to their local emergency services to inquire about similar programs available in their communities.