Marthasville Fire Protection Distict
It was not your typical rodeo. No riding or roping took place on Tuesday, August 8. Instead, nearly 50 teachers and staff members learned the “Stayin’ Alive” beat for CPR, practiced applying tourniquets to learn how to “Stop the Bleed,” and discussed medical emergencies that often occur in classrooms or on the playground.
The Marthasville Fire Protection District (MFPD) dedicates itself to providing the best service possible to the 168 square miles it serves. Made up of all volunteers, the MFPD not only spends a great deal of time training its members, but it also provides training at no cost to the school staff in its district.
Four schools are located inside the district, Marthasville Elementary School, All Encompassing Education, St. Ignatius of Loyola School, St. Vincent’s de Paul School, and Whitegate Montessori Land School.
As MFPD members were preparing free Stop the Bleed kits to hand out to the schools, they brainstormed about also offering training to handle bleeding emergencies. The concept evolved into a full-blown safety training offering CPR, AED, Stop the Bleed, Fire Extinguisher Usage, and Medical Emergencies. MFPD volunteer instructors headed up the training.
Amanda Schwoeppe, a teacher at St. Ignatius School said she was very grateful to the MFPD for hosting the event.
“Unfortunately, in today’s world, we as educators have to be prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise while we are with our students,” she said. “This event allowed each of us an opportunity to review what to do in a variety of situations. I pray I never have to use these skills, but it is reassuring to know that if I ever need it, I will know what to do.”
Chief Sean Johnson was pleased with the success of the training and the role the firefighters played in making sure teachers were comfortable offering aid to their students during a medical emergency.
“I’m just very proud of our members who gave up vacation time to give us time in the middle of the week,” said Chief Johnson. “I was impressed by the school staff who participated on their own time.”
The MFPD is comprised of 40 volunteers, including EMTs, paramedics, a flight nurse, mechanics, tow truck drivers, laborers, a dispatcher, and many others who hold full-time employment in several different occupations. Among their roster are five women and an additional six-member auxiliary.
Marthasville is located in rural southern Warren County near the Missouri River. There are three stations in its district. It has a long history of serving and educating its communities. It provides school resource officers to each school in the district. It offers car seat inspections and assistance. It is known for its excellent barbeque team which helps raise money for its swift water rescue program. The department’s Santa sleigh visits each community and its haunted house is always a hit.
In addition to responding to motor vehicle accidents, and brush and structure fires, it assists the Marthasville Community Ambulance District, responding alongside during many of its calls. Johnson said the department has had a 25 percent increase in calls, nearing 300 per year.
The Safety Rodeo will take place again on August 6, 2024. We are grateful to our sponsors, SERVPRO of St. Charles City who provided lunch, SSM Health, our medical liaison, and our county EMA Director for his additional information.
FFAM
