City Times Staff

Park Ridge Firefighter Keith Plasky (right) demonstrates the universal symbol for choking while Chief Brian Lepper (behind) demonstrates the Heimlich maneuver, a technique of abdominal thrusts designed to stop choking.

The Park Ridge Fire Dept. hosted Girl Scout Troop 6149 from Almond on Saturday for a interactive class on fire safety and first aid. The scouts, ages five through 10, practiced various first aid techniques, built their own first aid kits and practiced the proper way to dial 911 during an emergency — from both a landline and a Smart phone — while working towards earning a first aid badge.

They also discussed fire safety, learned about being aware of exits in case of an emergency and carbon monoxide poisoning.

“I think this age is a little young, but the American Red Cross starts teaching first aid at seven and eight years old,” Lepper said. “You’re really never too young to start learning.”

The girls capped off their morning with pizza and juice boxes, courtesy of the PRFD.