Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System

Veterans practicing proper techniques

A new training program here is helping Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System Veterans not only learn to MOVE!, but MOVE! safely as well. The training class, provided by Workforce Development in partnership with the MOVE! program, focuses on training Veterans in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and providing them with the tools to train their friends and family as well.

“The MOVE! program treats the Veteran holistically and focuses on how we can best help the patient and their family,” said Susan Berryhill, MOVE! program coordinator. “This (CPR training) helps the Veteran and their families be prepared to save or sustain a life until emergency help can get there.” Each Veteran attending the class is taught the three basic steps of CPR: shake, shout and start compressions, Berryhill said.

“The majority of our classes, no one had ever walked them through the basic steps of CPR,” Berryhill said. “Now that they know, they’ll be prepared. You never think something is going to happen, until it does. Being prepared can save a life.” The Veterans were provided with a kit containing a small training mannequin, training DVD and sanitation wipes. Berryhill said the kits allow the Veterans to practice at home and instruct their family members in the basics of CPR. Berryhill said the Veterans were very receptive to the class, and couldn’t wait to go home and show their families. “They thought it was very informative and were really excited,” she said. In addition to the CPR training, each Veteran was also taught how to use an automated external defibrillator (or AED).

“These days, most locations, such as malls, restaurants or gyms, will have an AED available,” Berryhill said. “It’s important for them to know how to use those as well.”