(Atlantic) Seven months ago, First Responder Erik Johnson approached the City Council regarding a new program to cut emergency response times in rural areas. Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg is sponsoring this program, sending a trained volunteer closest to the emergency to provide care until the ambulance arrives.
Cass County is one of three Iowa counties piloting the Iowa United First Aid Program. On Wednesday, Johnson, the Cass County Program Coordinator, provided council members with an update at the Atlantic City Council meeting. Johnson has eighteen volunteers scattered throughout the county’s 565 square miles, dedicating their off-hours to helping their neighbors and communities with the equipment to respond to a medical emergency in their area and provide emergency care until the ambulance arrives.
The volunteers are equipped with AEDs and stop-the-bleed kits in what are called “Go Bags.” Johnson says the three participating counties, Van Buren, Calhoun, and Cass Counties, have reached their 100th call, exceeding expectations. Johnson stated they have received an extension of the grant.
Johnson initially aimed to train 20 volunteers, matching the number of “Go Bag” currently on hand. He says anyone interested in giving back to the community and possibly saving a life should contact Erik Johnson at cassCountyFirstAid.Erik@gmail.com or call 712-249-8816. There is an application process, and the CPR training is free of charge.
Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett expressed her appreciation for all Erik has done to make this program successful.
Cass County received 50 thousand dollars from the state and 25 thousand from the county for training and equipment. Cass County is the first of the three counties receiving grant money for the first program that got off and running seven months ago.
