Capt. Brett Weir, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, teaches a basic life support class to a group at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, July 18, 2015. The class focused on maintaining blood circulation, airway and breathing through the use of CPR and the proper use of automated external defibrillators. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class William Jackson)
By Sgt. Nelson Robles
2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
COLORADO SPRINGS — Soldiers from 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, taught volunteers at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church basic lifesaving techniques July 18, 2015.
This four-hour certification course provides the church with first responders to medical emergencies that may arise during a service or church function by teaching proper CPR techniques and the use of automated external defibrillators.
“I’ve been a basic lifesaver (BLS) instructor for four years,” said Capt. Brett Weir, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th BSB and American Heart Association certified instructor.
“While I was deployed as the brigade nurse, I instructed the course to Service members from all branches and different nations. I’m a nurse by trade and BLS certification was a requirement to become a nurse. Becoming an instructor allows me the privilege of providing that knowledge to others.”
The course focuses on maintaining blood circulation, airway and breathing.
“We taught the class for people to become certified as basic life support providers,” Weir said. “The class went great. They were happy to be able to react and possibly save a life; they understand how important it is.”
The new partnership will continue to educate others to help save lives.
“I’m part of a medical ministry for our church, and I wanted our volunteers to be ready for any medical emergencies that happen,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Jackson, brigade medical operations NCO in charge, 704th BSB. “The more people prepared, the better.”
Sgt. Leonard Garcia, medic, 704th BSB, said he enjoyed being able to give back to the community.
“This is the first time I taught a class for civilians,” said Garcia. “I think it went well and I felt like they appreciated it. I became a medic to help people. It’s the reason that many of us joined, to help and protect the citizens of the U.S. We help our fellow Soldiers and also give back to the community.”