On Sunday, June 1, the first day of National CPR & AED Awareness Week, local first responders from Blandon Fire Company and Northern Berks EMS partnered to deliver free hands-only CPR training to Maidencreek residents during a community event held at the Maidencreek Community Park Pavilion.
The event was organized and led by experienced paramedics and EMTs, who taught participants how to recognize cardiac arrest, call 911 effectively, and deliver high-quality chest compressions. Training also included demonstrations on infant CPR techniques. In just 20 minutes per session, attendees walked away with the knowledge to help save a life.
The idea for the event was spearheaded by Gavin Milligan, a Blandon firefighter since age 16 and current candidate for Maidencreek Township Supervisor. Although less active in firefighting due to his campaign, Milligan remains committed to supporting public safety in meaningful, hands-on ways.
“This training was about more than just preparedness—it was about bringing value to our residents in a way they could see and feel,” said Milligan. “I wanted to show that our emergency services are not only ready when you call 911, but also willing to invest back into the community before the crisis happens.”
The CPR event comes amid growing concern statewide and across Berks County over the funding and staffing challenges facing EMS services. Last year, Maidencreek Township implemented a 0.5 mill EMS tax, generating approximately $238,000 annually to help sustain operations at the Blandon and Leesport stations.
Milligan has worked closely with Northern Berks EMS leadership over the past year to help balance those funding needs with long-term sustainability and transparency for taxpayers. To ensure the event came at no cost to residents or the emergency services involved, food and supplies were fully paid for by Milligan for Maidencreek, his campaign committee. “We need to support our EMS agencies not just with funding, but with trust and partnership,” said Milligan. “Events like this build that bridge.”
The event was widely attended and well-received by residents of all ages, and plans are already in motion for future public safety programs.