We all passed!

I am very proud of my girls. Tonight the family went to training to learn CPR and AED for first responders. I was rather familiar with it, as many years ago I was an instructor for the American Red Cross. It has changed since then. It is much simpler now, and less to remember. JD did not need to take it, as he just took it again a couple weeks ago at work (plus, his card from taking it during his EMT class is also still valid..). Tonights class was through the American Heart Association.

It was however, the girls first time to take the class. Emily (who is a cadet at the fire department) did very well, and earned her advanced card.

The twins being younger (and are not yet cadets, but would like to be in the future), earned their basic CPR and AED. Since JD did not need to take the class, he worked with them during the class and they did very well.

All they girls were able to properly demonstrate for an infant, child and adult.

All 3 girls will be getting 4 hours credit in Science (health) for homeschooling, as well as being able to use in Girl Scouts.

Needless to say, I am very proud of them all. Many adults have not taken and earned their card, let alone 11 and 13 year old kids. I encourage everyone to go and take the class. It saves lives!

Firefighting homeschooler

One way we "supplement" Emily's homeschooling is by her being a fire fighter cadet. She is a volunteer at our local fire department (which is all volunteer for both in town and rural). She is a cadet. To be a cadet she must maintain a good grade average and attending training, among other things. She attends the same training as the adults and goes out on calls just as a regular firefighter.

Friday night and Saturday our department hosted training on school bus accidents. We had several other fire fighter departments from the state that also attended. Emily attended with JD and was the youngest female to go through the course. It started out as a cool day, but got very hot. By the time you add in the weight and heat of the bunker gear, it was not pleasant....

Her highlight of the day was kicking out the front windshield of the school bus before it was rolled over. She also learned to operate the various rescue saws and how to right or raise a vehicle with air bags. They cut up the bus, removed seats and learned where the various unseen parts of the bus (such as roof supports) are located.

She has also taken her NIMS tests and passed. Her next test will be HAZMAT, and next week we attend a class on forced entry. She is also able to start most of the fire vehicles on the department, although she is too young to drive them.