Monday, September 9, 2013

Natalie Steadman to the Rescue!

This September marks the tenth year for National Preparedness Month within the American Red Cross. The South Plains Regional Chapter wants to inform our community on how to stay safe, develop disaster plans, and get information on being prepared during a disaster.
Locally, the Red Cross provides classes that help those become prepared for emergency situations or disasters. Classes such as CPR/AED training, water safety, babysitting training, and disaster training courses are provided throughout the country.
Natalie Steadman, a professor at Texas Tech University’s Health Sciences Center and volunteer instructor for the South Plains Chapter in Lubbock, discusses the importance of why somebody should be prepared for disaster.
“It’s important to know even some of the most basic health training,” Steadman said. “Just taking some simple courses will help you save somebody that you love.”
Steadman receives first aid training for her career every two years. She said she used her training to help a man she did not know saving his life.
            Littlefield, a small town outside of Lubbock, hosted a football game one Friday night when Steadman was on the sidelines. A photographer was also near the field when he started having heart complications and became unresponsive.
            “I never thought that day would ever come,” Steadman said. “I always wondered would I freeze when it came down to it, or would all of my training and knowledge kick in?”
            Every month, the American Red Cross offers many classes that will teach basic skills on how to assist someone who needs immediate medical attention. Without these classes, Steadman would not have been prepared and able to save someone’s life.
            “I’ve learned that the American Red Cross is all about helping those people in need at the very worst times in life,” Steadman said. “They have so many things to offer on how you can help, and I do my best to be an advocate.”

Written by: Mary McCormack, Public Affairs and Special Events Intern

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