When we're not fighting fires, we fight the cold. At the South Milwaukee Fire Department,
we're on a mission to keep our community safe—and warm.

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SOUTH MILWAUKEE -- Firefighters donated 200 new winter coats to Rawson Elementary students in South Milwaukee on Friday and in return received stacks of handmade thank you cards and a ton of smiles.

Funds to purchase the coats through the non-profit Operation Warm were raised by South Milwaukee Firefighters Local 1633, a grant from the Bucyrus Foundation, and the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation.

"We are really proud of the partnerships we have developed with our community and the way this community comes together to support our learners. Getting the opportunity to run and play with peers at recess during those winter months is really important. It is one of the many ways our students learn to collaborate and problem-solve, so we are grateful to SMFD for bringing 200 warm coats into our schools!" Superintendent Deidre Roemer said. “It's also a huge goal of ours to engage our students in the community and our community with our students. I can’t think of a better example of that than this tremendous effort."

Fire Chief John Litchford said the donation underscores the department's commitment to community engagement.

“These coats aren’t just about staying warm; they’re about giving children the confidence and security to thrive during the colder months,” said Fire Chief John Litchford. “We are proud to work alongside our dedicated community partners to bring comfort and warmth to needy families.”

CCCP – South Milwaukee Fire Department – Warm up Winter

Cardiac Conscious Community Program: South Milwaukee Fire Department and Warm Up Winter Introduction The South Milwaukee Fire Department, in collaboration with the Warm Up Winter, has launched an innovative program called the Cardiac Conscious Community. This program aims to enhance public safety and health by equipping local businesses with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and providing comprehensive training on their use. This initiative seeks to create a more aware and prepared community, capable of responding effectively to cardiac emergencies. Background Cardiac emergencies are a leading cause of sudden death in the United States. Immediate response with CPR and defibrillation significantly increases the chances of survival. However, many communities lack sufficient access to AEDs and the knowledge to use them. The Cardiac Conscious Community program addresses this gap by strategically placing AEDs in high-traffic areas and ensuring that local businesses and their employees are trained to respond effectively.


Objectives of the Cardiac Conscious Community Program

  • 1. Increase Accessibility to AEDs: By providing AED machines to local businesses, the program ensures that these life-saving devices are readily available in case of a cardiac emergency.
  • 2. Comprehensive Training: Training local business employees and community members on the proper use of AEDs and basic CPR techniques ensures that more people are capable of responding to cardiac emergencies.
  • 3. Raise Awareness: Educating the community about the importance of quick response during cardiac events fosters a culture of preparedness and awareness.
  • 4. Improve Survival Rates: With more AEDs available and more people trained to use them, the program aims to significantly improve the survival rates of individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies.

Implementation The Cardiac Conscious Community program is being implemented through a series of steps:

  • 1. Partnership with Local Businesses: The South Milwaukee Fire Department identifies and partners with local businesses that are willing to participate in the program. These businesses are provided with AED machines at no cost or at a subsidized rate.
  • 2. Training Sessions: Comprehensive training sessions are conducted by the fire department, covering the operation of AEDs and the administration of CPR. These sessions are designed to be accessible and practical, ensuring that participants feel confident in their ability to respond to an emergency.
  • 3. Placement of AEDs: AEDs are strategically placed in participating businesses to ensure they are easily accessible during an emergency. Locations are chosen based on foot traffic and the likelihood of rapid response times.
  • 4. Community Engagement: The program includes community outreach efforts to educate the public about the presence of AEDs and the importance of immediate action during cardiac emergencies. This is done through workshops, informational materials, and public demonstrations.

Benefits to the Community The Cardiac Conscious Community program offers numerous benefits to South Milwaukee:

  • Enhanced Safety: Increased availability of AEDs and trained responders enhances the overall safety of the community.
  • Empowered Citizens: By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to respond to cardiac emergencies, the program empowers citizens to take action and potentially save lives.
  • Stronger Community Ties: The collaborative nature of the program strengthens the relationship between the fire department, local businesses, and the community.
  • Healthier Community:A focus on cardiac health and emergency preparedness contributes to the overall well-being of the community.

Conclusion

The Cardiac Conscious Community program, spearheaded by the South Milwaukee Fire Department and supported by the Warm Up Winter initiative, is a significant step towards creating a safer and more prepared community. By providing AEDs and training to local businesses, the program ensures that more people are ready and able to respond to cardiac emergencies, ultimately saving lives and fostering a culture of health and safety in South Milwaukee.

South Milwaukee Fire Department Launches Cardiac Conscious Community Program with Sorce Material Arts as First AED Recipient

South Milwaukee, WI — July 24, 2024 — The South Milwaukee Fire Department, in collaboration with the Warm Up Winter, a local non-profit, is proud to announce the launch of the Cardiac Conscious Community program. This innovative program aims to enhance public safety and health by equipping local businesses with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and providing comprehensive training on their use. Source Material Arts, a prominent local business, is honored to be the first recipient of an AED under this program. The installation and training session took place earlier this week, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards creating a more aware and prepared community.

Chief John Litchford of the South Milwaukee Fire Department stated, "We are excited to launch the Cardiac Conscious Community program and thrilled to have Sorce Material Arts as our first partner. By placing AEDs in local businesses and providing essential training, we are empowering our community to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. This program will undoubtedly save lives and foster a culture of health and safety in South Milwaukee." The Cardiac Conscious program is Community designed with several key objectives in mind:

  • 1. Increase Accessibility to AEDs: By providing AED machines to local businesses, the program ensures these life-saving devices are readily available in case of a cardiac emergency.
  • 2. Comprehensive Training: Training local business employees and community members on the proper use of AEDs and basic CPR techniques ensures that more people are capable of responding to cardiac emergencies.
  • 3. Raise Awareness: Educating the community about the importance of quick response during cardiac events fosters a culture of preparedness and awareness.
  • 4. Improve Survival Rates:With more AEDs available and more people trained to use them, the program aims to significantly improve the survival rates of individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies.

Pete Sorce, owner of Sorce Material Arts, expressed her enthusiasm for the program: "We are honored to be the first business to participate in the Cardiac Conscious Community program. Having an AED on-site and being trained to use it gives us confidence that we can make a difference in an emergency situation. We encourage other businesses to join this important initiative." The South Milwaukee Fire Department is actively seeking more local businesses to participate in the program. Interested businesses can contact the fire department for more information and to schedule their AED installation and training sessions.



For more information, please contact: South Milwaukee Fire Department Phone: (414) 768-8191 Email: not mine@smfd.gov About the South Milwaukee Fire Department The South Milwaukee Fire Department is dedicated to protecting and serving the community through emergency response, education, and prevention. Committed to excellence, the department strives to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for all residents.

(Captain Egner stated….) About Warm Up Winter Warm Up Winter is a community initiative focused on enhancing public health and safety through various programs and partnerships. By working with local organizations, Warm Up Winter aims to create a safer and more resilient community.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact: John Litchford Chief, South Milwaukee Fire Department Phone: (414)768-8191 Email: jlitchford@smwi.org
The South Milwaukee Fire Department and Warm Up Winter invite all community members to join in supporting the Cardiac Conscious Community program. Together, we can make South Milwaukee a safer and more prepared place for everyone