Maryland Automobile Dealers Association Members Donate Resusci Anne CPR Training Mannequins to Seven Area EMS Crews

Annapolis, MD, February 19, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Emergency services workers at seven locations throughout Central Maryland will be able to expand their community CPR education programs with the donation of new adult training mannequins and AED simulators by the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) and two area auto dealerships.

On February 18, Keene Dodge (www.keendodge.com), based in Jarretsville and Westminster, is partnering with MADA to make donations to four fire stations in its service area, including the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Company, Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company and Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company.

On February 19, Bayside Toyota (www.baysidetoyota.com) in Prince Frederick will join MADA to make donations to the three southern Maryland stations, the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department, North Beach Volunteer Fire Department and Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department.

Often called Resusci-Anne, the life-like mannequins are used to teach cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills to emergency responders and interested community groups, including Scouts, day care operators, and church groups.

Linda Thomas, Darlington’s EMS Chief at the Darlington Fire Department, received a Resusci-Anne from MADA in early 2008. She said the mannequins provide real life simulation and performance measures so that students can quickly sharpen their skills in performing CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and other life saving techniques.

“You can watch the video and take the written test, but you have to have the hands on practice to really understand what you are doing,” said Ms. Thomas. “With the new mannequins, we have been able to offer more training to more people, and make our community a little bit safer.”

“The CPR program allows these outstanding volunteer organizations to train hundreds of people each year throughout Maryland. The program also makes it possible to further educate the community on the importance of proper CPR technique,” stated MADA president, Peter Kitzmiller.

MADA offers the mannequins through a partnership with the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation. Since 1975, the foundation has distributed over 4,100 training units throughout the U.S., to provide training for more than 1.9 million people. Local organizations may apply for a Resusci-Anne by contacting Al Scrimger at MADA, 410.269.1710.

About the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association
Maryland Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) is a statewide association of new car and truck dealers managed by a Board of Directors, which consists of members representing districts throughout the State. MADA was founded in 1910 as a non-profit trade association for the purpose of: "facilitating the exchange of ideas among its members; to encourage sound business policies; to foster constructive motor vehicle legislation; to discourage destructive motor vehicle legislation, and to promote confidence, respect and good fellowship among all who are directly or indirectly engaged in the motor vehicle industry." For more information visit MADA online at www.mdauto.org.

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