Fire department demos hands-only CPR and smoke-alarm checks at Fairfax event

Mitch Fetterman, a firefighter paramedic with the City of Fairfax Fire Department, walked through hands-only CPR steps at City Hall: check responsiveness, call 911, verify breathing for about 10 seconds and begin chest compressions in the center of the chest at roughly 100 beats per minute for two minutes before rechecking. He encouraged use of metronome apps and AEDs when available and urged community members to take a hands-only CPR course.

A second firefighter, identified only as Firefighter Josh, emphasized home smoke-alarm maintenance: place alarms outside each sleeping area on every floor, keep batteries fresh, and test alarms regularly. Both presenters stressed the importance of an emergency-escape plan and a designated meeting location so families can account for one another when emergency responders arrive.

Fire department presenters framed the demonstrations as ways to bridge the gap between a medical emergency and arrival of 9-1-1 responders and to reduce preventable fatalities; they invited residents to practice skills and attend local training.