First aid becoming a bigger priority at some parishes

Published: 2004-11-03

ST. STEPHEN, Minn. (CNS) -- Whenever anyone shows signs of illness during Mass at St. Stephen Parish, two or three of the local volunteer firefighters take charge, said Marge Kalinowski, secretary and parish nurse. Trained in emergency first aid, including CPR, the firefighters are the parish's unofficial "first responders" -- those who step in first to assess a medical emergency and render the appropriate response, including placing a 911 call when necessary. "They're wonderful," Kalinowski said. The firefighters' presence at every Mass, she added, probably imparts peace of mind to parishioners and their families about participating in Mass, particularly if they are concerned about a heart condition, asthma or diabetes. St. Stephen, which is in the St. Cloud Diocese, may be unique in that nearly all members of its fire department are parishioners and that many regularly attend Mass -- even daily Mass. But a quick browse of the Internet reveals that many churches across the country have extended their definition of hospitality ministry beyond "greeters and seaters" to include the availability of first responders and a comprehensive first-aid kit.

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