Providence EMA Certifies 28 New UHA Instructors

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) held their first Train the Trainer class for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s new “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” (UHA) program on Saturday, November 18. The class of 28 included members of the Providence Police Department, Providence Fire Department, PEMA volunteers, and community leaders. After completion, students are certified to teach the UHA course.

The national average response time for first responders is 6 to 9 minutes. UHA is a three hour class that teaches the public basic skills to keep people with life-threatening injuries alive until professional help arrives. Topics include how to respond to local emergencies, proper interaction with 9-1-1 operators, and applying bleeding control techniques with tourniquets and pressure bandages.

PEMA will be hosting a class December 14, 2017 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM at their main office located at 591 Charles Street that will be open to the public. Future classes hosted by other agencies will be held throughout the city. If you are interested in taking the class, becoming an instructor or your organization is interested in hosting a UHA class, please contact PEMA.

For more information please contact Patrick Fitzgerald, Providence Emergency Management Agency Preparedness Coordinator, at Pfitzgerald@providenceri.gov or 401-680-8000.