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Teamsters CPR Training Saves Lives
Local 631 Teamsters Put Life-Saving Skills Into Action
(LAS VEGAS)— Teamsters Local 631 has trained thousands of apprentices to work safely in Las Vegas’s sprawling convention and trade show industry. Some of the important skills taught include first aid, CPR, and AED training. Those skills proved vital recently when Sterling Clark, a member of Local 631, successfully performed CPR on his manager. Thanks to his swift and skillful actions, the man’s life was saved.
“As I punched in for work that morning, the safety manager on duty suddenly suffered a seizure. At first, people did not know what to do, but I remembered my training,” said Clark, a convention industry apprentice. “A co-worker and I jumped into action. We laid him down and noticed his pulse was weak. So, we made sure no one crowded around, called 911, retrieved an AED, and started doing chest compressions. Like a lot of people, I never thought I would use my CPR certification. In fact, I only completed my training three weeks before this. Now, a lot of people I work with are thinking about getting CPR trained too.”
“Our unwavering commitment to safety and skill training has proved vital in times of crisis,” said Crystal Slaughter, Director of the Convention and Construction Training Center at Local 631. “Sterling’s swift action is a testament to the fact that preparedness saves lives and that training workers in vital skills ensures a safer future for everyone working in Las Vegas’s bustling convention and trade show industry.”
This is not the first time training provided by Local 631 has helped save a life. In November 2023, Local 631 apprentice trainer Keith Kohr jumped into action when an apprentice suffered cardiac arrest. Life-saving first aid was performed until paramedics arrived on the scene. Thanks to the quick action taken and the use of an AED, the man thankfully left breathing and survived.
“Providing comprehensive training to workers on equipment safety, CPR, and AED usage is pivotal to fostering a safe work environment,” said Tommy Blitsch, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 631 and Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “Workers in every industry should be trained to deal with life-threatening situations. As a direct result of our apprenticeship program, lives have been saved.”
Teamsters Local 631 represents workers in gaming, construction, logistics, transit, and other industries throughout Southern Nevada. For more information, go to teamsterslocal631.org.