Miami-Dade Fire Rescue launches HELP to teach the public how to save lives during life-threatening emergencies

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) is launching its Health Emergency Life Protection (HELP) training course, and will be holding a medical emergency training session at Caution CrossFit and Fitness Facility in Miami Lakes, FL, on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. to teach the members of our community on how to respond during medical emergencies.

The HELP course has been designed to educate and train the public on how to recognize the most common life-threatening emergencies to be able to begin medical care until first responders arrive. It initially began by training MDFR’s professional staff and, in order to reach our diverse community in Miami-Dade County, has recently launched to include bringing the training to faith-based and community-based organizations.

“Every second counts before help arrives. This program will provide members of our community the basic knowledge to assist someone in need of immediate medical assistance,” said MDFR Fire Chief Raied “Ray” Jadallah. “HELP will allow our community to know the signs of emergencies like a stroke or CPR and how to react, which can improve a person’s chance of survival.”

Medical emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere, and emergency responders may not be nearby to respond. With bystanders being first on scene, their quick actions can help save lives. According to the American Heart Association, if performed immediately, bystander CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. 

Additionally, a person can die from blood loss within five minutes. According to the Florida Department of Health, those nearest someone with life-threatening injuries are best positioned to provide first care and Stop the Bleed to significantly increase a person’s chance of survival. 
Through an interactive lecture and hands-on skills education, the two-hour HELP training session will feature the following life-saving medical techniques:   

• Adult and pediatric hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 
• Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) operation 
• Early stroke recognition 
• Stopping the bleed 
• Blocked airway emergencies for adults, children, and infants. 

Media Note: Interviews will be available in English and Spanish.

Please confirm attendance by email along with the names of crew members who will be attending the HELP Training Session in Miami Lakes to [email protected]

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-814-8051.