Gunster Yoakley Law Firm Trains With The American Red Cross

Law firm provides training in CPR, Heimlich maneuver, defibrillator use

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — To underscore Gunster Yoakley’s commitment to health and safety, the American Red Cross of Broward County trained 14 staff members of the Fort Lauderdale office to handle certain emergencies.

The law firm purchased an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the office, and engaged the services of a representative from the Red Cross to teach its staff CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and proper use of the AED. The Red Cross describes the AED as a device about the size of a laptop computer that analyzes the heart’s rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, directs the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to the victim. This shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm of its own. Although, it is not customary for a law firm to give its staff CPR and AED training, this program makes it possible for staff members to be proactive in case of an emergency, where every second counts.

“This is important – and potentially life-saving information, and we believe that this kind of training is a natural augmentation to traditional first aid,” said Dan Mackler, office chair for the Ft. Lauderdale office of Gunster Yoakley. “Any way that we can improve the safety of our workplace environment is valuable.”

Mackler notes that in addition to the value of the training, it has also provided a great bonding experience among the employees. Gunster Yoakley has made a long-term commitment to the training and on-the-job safety and will continue to allow these employees to be recertified in the future.

Gunster Yoakley & Stewart, established in 1925, is a full-service law firm that offers a broad range of legal services to its client base of businesses, institutions, local governments and prominent individuals. The firm has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach and West Palm Beach. Gunster Yoakley is home to more than 130 attorneys and over 200 dedicated support staff providing counsel to clients through numerous practice groups including corporate, litigation, real estate and trusts and estates. For more information, visit www.gunster.com, or call 800-749-1980.

Tags: Daniel M. Mackler