On a recent Saturday morning, more than 12 people participated in the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market CPR/AED training class held at the South King Fire & Rescue’s Des Moines Station 67. At the end of last year’s season the Firefighters Aid Fund donated an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to the market. The market board of directors, knowing that 3 to 4,000 people shop on any given Saturday; it would be a good idea to be prepared in case of someone having heart failure. Class instructor Chris Cahan, of Cahan First Aid & CPR Training, said “it is always a good idea to have the market staff trained in case of emergencies. Chris also explained that King County has the highest survival rate in the country for cardiac arrest. One of the reasons is the public widely supports the county’s EMS/Medic One System. The survival rate is 62%, and is even higher (+80%) if a person is given CPR before the paramedics arrive on the scene.” [caption id="attachment_51505" align="aligncenter" width="425"] Last year’s AED presentation. Front row from left: Market Manager Rikki Marohl, Board President Wayne Corey, Commissioner Bill Gates, Fire Chief Al Church, Deputy Chief Vic Pennington. Back row: Firefighters from Des Moines Station 67. On antique engine: Mascot Sparky.[/caption] To keep up with all the special events, featuring what’s fresh and entertainment at the market, please log onto the website and sign up for the e-newsletter that comes out once a week. You can also keep up on the activities by visiting the markets Facebook page. See you on OPENING DAY– SATURDAY JUNE 7th!]]>