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8 Nov 08 1st Aid/CPR Classes Photos by Robert Renfro & Jill Severe These are the people you want to ride with…12 Chapter U members showed up on a gorgeous south-central fall day to not ride but to attend First Aid/CPR training hosted by our own member, Skip Surre. Skip instructs First Aid/CPR as part of his duties as an instructor for Texas Careers San Antonio Campus. Skip not only acted as the instructor but we were able to participate in the training in his classroom complete with coffee and training aids. Those on hand were Mike & Cindy Edmonds, Olin & Martha Gover, Mike Mills, John McClinton, Robert Renfro, Linda Brackeen, Duke Thompson, Dave Weaver and Jill & Brad Severe. We started at 9 am, and as Brad and I pulled into the parking lot we noticed that Skip had coned off a motorcycle parking area for those brave enough to ride in the 40- something degree weather. Yes, we had a number of motorcycles but I believe they were riders without their co-riders! We found our way into the building, and it was lovely with a small 2-story atrium and little tables to study and drink coffee. Skip had a large classroom already set up with all his CPR and First Aid training aids. A lot of people were already there and Brad and I joined in with the hugs and greetings.
Nice large classroom with more than adequate training aids! Our plan had been to just check in and leave as Brad and I both attend First Aid/CPR training on our jobs but as Skip launched into the training, we very quickly decided to change our plans and stay for the training. Skip does this for a living. He teaches students who are in the 20’s and those in their 50’s who are interested in a health career which could allow them to save lives through his training. He was a First Responder in Detroit for many years, and we soon found the technical information of CPR and First Aid peppered with lots of stories and jokes from his own experiences as a First Responder. Our hours with Skip proved never to have a dull moment between Skip and the students. It all started off with a comment by Cindy Edmonds and soon the typical Chapter U banter was part of Skip’s instruction. Skip taught and demonstrated with Chapter U “dummies.” We took breaks, drank coffee, and asked lots of questions about how First Aid and CPR can be used to deal with to motorcycle specific injuries. Remember “A-B-C.” Open the airways, stop the bleeding, check for circulation (i.e., pulse). We also covered impalements (ugh!), sprained ankles (ouch!), and road rash and burns (eeek!). We then had lots of fun practicing with the training dummies and each other! Skip set the tone and his enthusiasm made this class really one you shouldn’t have missed! I hadn’t thought a couple hours on CPR and First Aid would be SOOOO much fUn as well as informative! I should have known as this class turned out to be the typical Chapter U activity of combining safety, knowledge and fUN followed by a decision to adjourn for a late lunch at a nearby Lion and Rose pub on Blanco.
The skeleton seemed to sneak up on skip!
Even Brad helped out a bit!
Lots of mannequins for everyone to practice on!
Dave Weaver was a choking victim. Skip seemed to enjoy this one!
Hands on all the way and fun! We even learned how to treat children!
Skip showed us all first hand! Dave playing with the child mannequins!
Everyone got to practice the skills. Skip had a Chapter U parking area designated! Now the location of the Lion and Rose pub is clearly on a sign for a new shopping center but when we turned in and drove down the winding length of the shopping center, no pub! Brad and I circled back around and happened to wander over to the next section and eureka! The Lion and Rose Pub. Several bikes and cars pulled in behind us but no Skip and no John! Fortunately a security person came by in a cute little multi-seat car that said “Restaurant Shuttle!” Just my kind of ride so I hopped in and we started back to the other section, catching a glimpse of a Gold Wing riding down the far side of the parking lot. We managed to corral Skip on a turn and lead him back to the pub. One down, one to go. Off we go again and during this “round,” I managed to find out my driver was a 3-time Iraq Marine Corps vet who was now in the Texas National Guard. I explained we needed a black pick-up with Special Forces decals in the rear window. By this time he knew all about our motorcycle group and was prepared when I instructed him to pull over, and honk his horn while I ran across the parking lot waving my hands at John’s pickup. Well the last one was found and we headed back to the pub. John and I walked in to find our group in the “Dungeon.” We just fit, I have to say, and we had quite a time comparing notes on what to eat as well as continuing on the conversations begun that morning during the class. Fortunately no one asked Skip how to do an emergency tracheotomy during lunch!
The group in the dungeon of the Lin & Rose! As Brad and I drove home, I just couldn’t get over how much fUn the day had been…and Brad and I hadn’t even been on a bike or trike! Skip was such a great CPR/First Aid instructor…the best I have ever had in my life and that included 20 years in the military! The group of 12 Chapter U participants were really enthusiastic to learn everything they could to help their fellow motorcyclists, their families and their communities. Some met new friends, and some saw old friends that had been out for health challenges or spend a lot of time for their job out of town. We are grateful that 13 people in Chapter U met for this training, and while many others couldn’t be there, they have undergone this training at work, at a GWRRA-sponsored rally or training event, or have paid for it through a local organization. The “knowledge” of GWRRA’s slogan “Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge” is really exhibited by our Chapter U members as they participate in the chapter’s Rider Education program, specifically the Levels program. As you attend Experienced or Advanced Rider Courses, First Aid or CPR training, and log more safe miles, you can move further up into the Levels program until you are a Level 4 or Master Tour Rider. Having this training was just another way that our Chapter is trying to help “U” ride safe and have fUn. We want to give a big “UUUUU” thank “U” to Skip for donating his time and services to our members. Thanks, Skip, for helping us ride more safely, and thanks to all of “U” that attended this or other First Aid/CPR training and ride with First Aid kits for helping make Chapter U fUn and safe to ride with! Jill Severe Co-Riding Chapter Director
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