Douglas High School Fire Science Students Complete BLS Training

A group of students is gathered around a table in a classroom, engaged in an activity, possibly working on a project or demonstration.
A group of people practicing CPR on a dummy, with first aid supplies and a phone nearby, in a classroom setting.
A classroom scene with students gathered around tables, engaged in conversation, and school supplies nearby.
A group of students is gathered around a table in a classroom, engaged in an activity, possibly working on a project or demonstration.
A group of people practicing CPR on a dummy, with first aid supplies and a phone nearby, in a classroom setting.
A classroom scene with students gathered around tables, engaged in conversation, and school supplies nearby.

Lookingglass Rural Fire District is proud to recognize the successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) training by students in the Douglas High School Fire Science program.

Over the course of eight days, LRFD partnered with Tenmile Rural Fire District and Glide Rural Fire Protection District to deliver American Heart Association BLS instruction directly in the classroom. This collaborative effort allowed certified instructors to provide students with hands-on, nationally recognized training that builds a strong foundation in lifesaving skills.

This opportunity was made possible in part through the support of Umpqua Community College, which secured grant funding to cover the cost of student certifications. By eliminating financial barriers, all 21 students will soon hold their BLS certifications.

American Heart Association BLS instruction is designed to prepare students to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies. The course emphasizes high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants, including proper compression depth, rate, recoil, and minimizing interruptions. Students are trained in the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), including safe operation, pad placement, and integrating defibrillation into the resuscitation process.

Instruction also covers airway management techniques, including opening the airway, delivering effective ventilations using barrier devices, and the use of a bag-valve mask in both single-rescuer and team-based scenarios. Students learn to quickly assess a patient, activate the emergency response system, and apply the appropriate level of care based on the situation.

In addition, the course reinforces team dynamics, communication, and scene coordination—critical components when multiple responders are working together. Students practice roles within a resuscitation team, ensuring efficient task delegation and continuity of care. Relief of foreign body airway obstructions (choking) for conscious and unconscious patients is also covered.

Completion of this training gives students a meaningful advantage as they pursue careers in fire service, EMS, or other public safety fields. More importantly, it equips them with practical skills that can be applied in everyday life, strengthening the overall safety and resilience of our community.

LRFD appreciates the partnership with Douglas High School and our regional agencies, and we look forward to continuing to support the development of future responders.