Out of tragedy comes change. The recent tragedy of the death of four-year old Eric Adler has given rise to a new realization of just how fragile life can be. The loss of Eric to choking made many realize how critical training in CPR and simple first-aid can be. The Warren Rescue Squad certainly knows. They have been swamped with inquiries about CPR training.

This demand is compounded by the fact that the American Heart Association, who sets the standards for CPR training, has just introduced new standards for CPR classes. The Rescue Squad members, volunteer fire fighters, police and others need to be re-certified in the new procedures. With the new procedures come new manuals, new training videos and requirements for more practice mannequins per class. Quite a challenge!!

As seems to happen so often, the people of Warren are again stepping up to help when called upon. When Eric left us, his parents asked that donations be sent to the Warren Lions Club. Almost $1,500 has already been donated. At a resent meeting of the Lions Club, they decided to establish the Eric Adler CPR Education Fund (The Eric Fund). The fund will pay for the cost of training CPR instructors, fire and rescue volunteers and our police officers. In addition, the cost of conducting classes for the public will be underwritten. The Lions Club committed to making available $3,000 for CPR education this year.

The head of Warren’s Rescue Squad CPR training, said: "This help is coming just as we need it. Ws are planning to hold a CPR marathon in June and this will allow us to have the instructor training, new manuals and equipment in time." Plans are not complete for the marathon yet but the goal is to have PTOs in each school participate. "We would like to have at least one parent trained for each student in the elementary schools." The Eric Fund will cover the costs of anyone who takes the training.