As a lieutenant firefighter in Groveland Township, Brian Cremeans saves lives.
Now the Atlas Township resident is sharing his knowledge to give others the ability to do the same.
Cremeans and his wife, Stephanie, started their own business, Corporate Support Services, in June to train individuals for emergency situations, as well as assist businesses in meeting state certification requirements and OSHA required training.
The couple offers classes in CPR, first aid, AED and blood-borne pathogens, which they note is required training for many businesses, including child care providers, industrial businesses and more.
‘Our target audience is any group of people who would like to obtain CPR and first aid certification for their job or own peace of mind, or just to help someone in need,? said Brian. ‘Every year, 400,000 Americans suffer cardiac arrest. Because so few people are trained (in CPR) there is only a 5 percent survival rate… We could save so many more lives if people knew CPR and first aid so they could help handle emergencies before professional help arrives. You never know when you could save a life.?
Brian Cremeans has been with the Groveland Township Fire Department for 15 years, has taught the fire academy and other emergency response classes for the past seven years and run the academy for the past five years. He is the training officer for firefighters and emergency medical technicians, is certified by the American Heart Association and is a nationally registered EMT.
He and Stephanie have taught emergency response to classes of babysitters, the Oakland Christian School Network (nearly 80 teachers) and church groups. Certifications are good for two years, except for teachers, EMTs or daycare providers, who must be recertified yearly.
Corporate Support Services requires a minimum of three students for a class and takes up to 18 students per class. Multiple classes can be scheduled on any given day for larger groups. The combined CPR/first aid class is eight hours, or can be separated into four hour classes. All instructors have a minimum of 15 years experience.
‘We try and make the class interesting,? Brian said. ‘It’s completely interactive, every 15 minutes you’re doing something. It’s hands-on learning.?
Corporate Support Services will have a first aid and CPR class that is open to the public from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 3 at Lake Louise Church of the Nazarene, 2300 S. Ortonville Road. Cost is $55 per person, with lunch provided. Pre-register by calling Stephanie Cremeans at 248-274-0248.