The Chamblee Police Department is the first metro police agency to offer “Until Help Arrives,” the Federal Emergency Management Agency class designed to educate and empower the public to act in an emergency situation and provide lifesaving care before professional first responders arrive, according to a press release.

Chamblee residents, business owners and/or educators may sign up for this free three-hour class, which will be held 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad St.

“This class builds citizen awareness to prepare for potential life-threatening emergencies such as deadly bleeding, car accidents, mass causality incidents and more,” said Dr. Hudson Garrett Jr., president and chief executive officer of Community Health Associates, LLC, volunteer instructor for the event. “We won’t teach them to be a police officer or a paramedic, but they will walk away with a great understanding of how to respond in an emergency, which can save irreplaceable time and often save lives until professional responders arrive.”

Attendees will learn:

Calling 911—What’s the best information to relay to operators when making the call;

Staying safe in an emergency situation;

Stopping bleeding;

Positioning the injured; and

Providing comfort.

The instructor-led, hands-on training will be taught by Dr. Garrett and a group of experienced police officers and volunteer first responders who explain how individuals can take an active role in an emergency, serving as the first link in the chain of survival.

“Often the first care someone gets requires no special skills,” said Chamblee Police Chief Kerry Thomas. “We are grateful to Dr. Garrett and our community’s first responders who are teaching these classes and imparting invaluable knowledge where seconds matter in severe weather, acts of terrorism, active shooter incidents, vehicular accidents and other transportation issues.”

Register: https://chambleeuntilhelparrivesfeb2019.eventbrite.com.

Information: Lt. Guy Antinozzi at 470-395-2447 or gantinozzi@chambleega.gov.