Ballard training residents to help during emergencies

SEATTLE — A terrorist attack, an earthquake or a multivehicle car crash could quickly overwhelm local professionals trained to deal with emergencies, so people in Ballard are taking a unique approach to preparing for an emergency.

Instead of relying only on the professionals, they're training residents to jump in during a crisis.

Catherine Weatbrook is getting ready for the next disaster in Ballard.

“We have paper and pens and tape so we can take information,” said Weatbrook.

She’s packed supplies, and her next step is to focus on training 89 of her neighbors.

The Ballard District Council received about $10,000 through a grant from the city and donations from the community to cover disaster training.

"We looked at what helps the hospital. What helps the hospital are people who are uninjured staying away from the hospital unless they are designated volunteers,” said Weatbrook.

The training is free for the first 90 people who sign up.

Carrie Walker of Prevention MD will teach citizens not only about CPR, but about first aid and how to use an automated external defibrillator.

“Your defibrillator is a great tool. We want to get people on board with that right away,” said Walker.

Anyone who is trained is also expected to respond.

“That's responding to their capability after (the emergency).   It may be they can only treat their neighbors,” said Walker.

While the training won't turn anyone into an EMT or doctor overnight, Walker said it's enough to make a difference in an emergency.

“They’re going to get enough (training) to help their mom their dad and their own children,” said Walker.

The group Ballard Prepares is taking applications for training.    The enrollment form is here.

KIRO