Thousands Learn Lifesaving, Cpr Techniques From Valley Couple
The business of saving lives hits close to home for Valley residents Debbie and Steve Farnsworth, owners of 1st Line 1st Aid.
The couple’s business, open for 3-1/2 years, was the product of a near-death experience Steve had due to a rare blood disease called Factor IX.
Steve always dreamed of being an emergency medical technician. But the disease, a form of hemophilia, eliminated that type of work from his career choices. Instead, he and his wife now train others how to save lives.
“This is where I need to be,” said Steve of his business. His work, though far from the adrenalin rush of an EMT, satisfies his desire to help in times of crisis.
Steve’s EMT dreams first began to fade when he started bleeding internally after an appendectomy. He was rushed into emergency surgery, where he received 45 units - the equivalent of 405 blood donations - of cryoprecipitate, a blood byproduct which aids in clotting. He developed fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome soon after.
“I lost my job in the floral business over it,” said Steve. “I did odd jobs, drove a school bus, started a home-business. I needed to recuperate, I needed that time just to heal myself.”
His friends from Central Valley School District suggested he train to be a first-aid instructor. They pulled together enough money to cover the total cost of Steve’s tuition at EMP America, the company which developed a first-aid/CPR instructional program 20 years ago.
Now, with five instructors, the Farnsworths teach CPR and first aid to 405 groups and organizations around the country, including employees of Bonneville Power Administration, Spokane School District 81, YMCA, KXLY and KHQ, as well as construction and utility companies, adult family homes and assisted living facilities. They’ve traveled to Las Vegas to present training workshops to employees of the Sahara Hotel.
“We go anywhere,” said Debbie.
Instructors include two nurses, two emergency medical technicians and a trainer for Spokane Valley Fire Department.
The company is an extension of EMP America, which is based in Eugene, Ore. All of EMP America’s courses, which are similar to American Red Cross’ or the American Heart Association’s, are designed in accordance with the Journal of the American Medical Association’s guidelines.
Since opening, the instructors have trained close to 7,000 people to save lives with the help of infant and adult size mannequins.
“We have no written tests,” said Debbie. “We go beyond showing them the techniques and tell them the why of what they’re doing.”
Understanding the meaning behind the chest compressions or mouth-to-mouth breathing makes a world’s worth of difference when a crisis is at hand, said Debbie.
“They have the reassurance that what they’re doing is the right thing, that they’re not making the problem worse or hurting the person they’re trying to help,” she said.
“They’ll hear (what sounds like) spaghetti cracking or a twig breaking,” she explained. “That’s cartilage breaking and that’s OK.”
Most don’t realize what happens when performing CPR and may be unsure of what they’re doing.
“I’ve had people pass out in the class before because I’m so graphic,” said Steve. “We do that so people know and understand what they might encounter.”
The serious nature of the business is eased by Steve’s sense of humor. He often weaves comedy sketches into the workshops.
Both Debbie and Steve say are often overwhelmed by the demands of their successful business. But, every day, they are reminded of the reason they started the business.
“It makes me so sad when I read stories of people saying they wanted to help someone but didn’t know how,” said Debbie. “It’s so easy to learn.”
If the need ever arises, students most likely will save a family member, friend or co-worker, she said.
“Knowing what to do is better than living with the guilt of not having learned ways you could have saved lives,” Debbie said.
“Things are changing all the time - techniques, breathing patterns, the rhythms of CPR,” said Steve. “It’s up to us to pass that onto the students, our customers.”
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