Become a Lifesaver: Teens Gain Skills and Service Hours Through Fire Rescue Partnership

The Palm Beach County Library System, in partnership with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, is committed to preparing our community to act in an emergency. This fall, teens can learn essential lifesaving skills through a variety of hands-on emergency preparedness trainings led by local firefighters.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue offers teens four specialized activities that teach practical skills to help prevent emergencies and respond effectively when they occur. Babysitting 101 covers common household hazards and child safety. Hands-Only CPR/AED teaches teens how to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, perform lifesaving CPR and how to use AEDs (devices that deliver an electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm during certain cardiac emergencies). Stop the Bleed includes practicing how to use tourniquets and pack wounds using mock training limbs and Fire Extinguisher Safety Training teaches participants how to identify, inspect and safely use fire extinguishers. Participants receive a certificate from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and leave with skills they can share with their families and peers.

"Libraries are more than places to access information; they are places where our community learns skills to make a difference," said Library Director Doug Crane. "Through our partnership with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, we're providing teens the opportunity to gain practical, potentially lifesaving skills while earning community service hours. These programs empower young people to be prepared to help others in times of need."

In addition, Fire Rescue will present activities for young children to introduce them to firefighters, including a fire truck tour.

Upcoming Fire Rescue Teen Volunteer Opportunities

• Main Library- Babysitting 101 on Tue, Oct 03
• Main Library- Stop the Bleed on Tue, Oct 06
• Okeechobee Boulevard Branch- Babysitting Workshop for Teens on Sat, Oct 10
• Okeechobee Boulevard Branch- Hands Only CPR Workshop for Teens on Tue, Oct 20
• Main Library- Fire Extinguisher Safety Training on Thu, Dec 10
  (this program will include a live fire prop demonstration)

Upcoming Fire Rescue Events for Children
Ages 2 & Up

• Main Library- Fire Prevention & Fire Truck Tour on Wed, Sep 02
• Royal Palm Beach Branch- Who Ya Gonna Call? Fire Rescue! on Mon, Oct 05

Get Involved

Check out the Volunteer Opportunities page on https://www.pbclibrary.org/volunteers to participate in upcoming volunteer events.

About the Palm Beach County Library System: The Palm Beach County Library System is composed of 18 branches and outreach services dedicated to a vision of opening minds to a world of unlimited possibilities. The Library fulfills this through its mission of connecting communities, inspiring thought and enriching lives by providing educational resources, cultural enrichment and community engagement for all residents.

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