The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-03-26
RST AID COURSES
N PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cross win Soon Branch
out IN q New Direc-
ton.

Aed CFoES dFst cid Courses win
gn be introduced in public schools
throughout the United States and the
fFit9ry Of Alaska, II the interest be-
q displayed in the subject by state
permit ndentg Of schools and boards
education gauges, the trend OF this
oYement,r said Colonel G. II. Conner
Medical Corps, o. 8. A. Assistant Di-
rector General Of Military Relief OF
he American Red Cross, today. Re.
oFtS which have come to this office
tbm Dr.. p. r. Hunter, Director Of the
Inst AID Division, who has made a
tuF o. the country, show that ma
bFity Of state Buperinte Of edu-
ton already have endorsed the
course aud In several states the pro-
egB Of introducing the course Is In
cttgo operation"
New York City Is the latest champ
en Of the course, according to Colonel
7gnnor. The Board Of Education there
lCg appropriated an amount not to
Sceed S1s5 for each public school
p defray the expense Of purchasing
lea Cross first aid textbooks, charts
md other teaching material. The
puFse is introduced under the super
vision Of the American Red Cross.
Through the cooperation Of state
pperintendents Of education in Louis
ana Mississippi and Alabama first
"a treatment Is being taught In all
public schools Of those states. In the
ciiools Of New Orleans due to the
cttye interest OF the city superinten-
cent, the Red Cross certificate Of first
ID brings credit at graduating time.
The first aid course has been en-
Enthusiastically received on the Pacific
coast, say DR.. Hunters reports. The
Greater part Of California Is deeply IN
erested. Red Cross chapters in Cali.
oFnia have cooperated IN the introduce
Hon of the study Of first aid in that
ate, and are planning to assist in
making the graduating exercises in
schools where firSt-aid is being taught
d the schools, many Of the scools are
being equipped with Red Cross first.
ia hts.
n Alaska the introduction Of the
first aid course has received hearty
approval Of the Governor, Of the Board
~ Education, and Of the Alaskan Ma
i've Medical Service. Alaskan com.
tunities are urging the First aid d..
iBion Of National Headquarters Of the
Bed Cross TO send them field repre-
ntetfyes TO teach the teachers and
assist IN organizing first aid classes
mong both the white and native pop
Nations.
One Of the most useful instrument
iities in. the spread Of first aid in
fuction, in Colonel Connor's opinion
the qational organization Of Boy
sAsAaGial merit badge for
passed Red Cross first aid
nation will be awarded each
Thy his organization. This prac-
lcal means Of encouraging the study
first aid is expected to prove Of
reat value.
In calling attention to the need Of
fst aid instruction for both children
md adults throughout the country,
Colonel Common cited report Of the
Interstate Comerce Commission for 1916
which gives total OF 206,7 1923 casual.
lies ON the steam railways Of the Uni
ted States during the year an In
crease Of some $4,000 accidents Of the
bind over the previous year. Colonel
fonuor eStimates that roughly 100000
atal accidents occur IN the United
states annually, in large number Of
which instances death could be- avert.
q By timely first aid treatment given
by some instructed layman while the
DOCTOR Is being sought. 1t is In the
precious few minutes between the
moment the accident happens and the
afrtyal Of the doctor that life NAV
Pc saved by intelligent care on the
part Of some student Of first ald;>de-
elares Colonel Conner.