Santa Barbara Kicks Off Preparedness Training In Public Schools

September 25, 2006

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Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum presents proclamation toSave A Life Foundation declaring September as National Save A Life Month

Monroe Elementary School was the proud host for Santa Barbara’s Public Schools kick-off for emergency preparedness training on September 15, 2006. Among those in attendance were Brent Milhollen, Monroe Public School Principal; J. Brian Sarvis, Santa Barbara School Superintendent; Mayor Marty Blum, Santa Barbara, California; Pedro Nava, 35th District California State Assemblymen; Christine Elliott, District Representative for Lois Capps, U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District California 23; Mayor Rita Mulllins, Palatine, IL, Representing the U.S. Conference of Mayors; Carol Spizzirri, Save A Life Foundation, President and Founder; and Battalion Chief John Ahlman.

Save A Life Foundation (SALF) provided pilot training, demonstrating life saving techniques to 4th and 5th graders. The training included CPR, Heimlich maneuver, bleed control, and other life saving techniques. SALF offers K-12 training, but trained 4th and 5th graders for pilot purposes.  Retired school teacher and current Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum applauds SALF’s efforts saying,  "Children are so bright and capable of so much more than we might think.”  May Blum continues, "Asking them to learn to be aware of emergency situations and to be ready to help save a life can only benefit us all now, and in the future.  I think of the Save A Life Foundation as a very positive, well-meaning, and pro-active organization, and it's great they can offer this service to our community."

Santa Barbara Public Schools and SALF anticipate training approximately 1,500 students this school year. To date, the pilot program is funded in part through a grant from SALF and from Santa Barbara Fire Department contributions in the form of instructors.

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Alan Reitz, Santa Barbara Firefighter/SALF Instructor Demonstrates the Infant Heimlich Maneuver for Monroe Elementary Students

Front Row: Monroe Elementary School Students Middle Row: Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum; Mayor Rita Mullins, Palatine, IL; Carol Spizzirri, Save A Life Foundation, Founder and President; and Battalion Chief John Ahlman Rear Row: Alan Reitz, Santa Barbara Firefighter/SALF Instructor, and J. Brian Sarvis, Superintendent Santa Barbara Public Schools