In an effort to better serve the community, Patterson Library staff had a full day of CPR and first aid training with Patterson Town Board member and Owner/Training Director of Angel Care Safety, Peter Dandreano. Staffers learned how to recognize symptoms and signs of a heart attack and stroke as well as how to administer CPR and abdominal thrusts to help someone who is choking. In addition to learning how to perform CPR on adults, adolescents and infants, the staff trained on using the library’s AED, Automatic External Defibrillator. The AED, which the library received as part of a grant with IBM, is fully automatic and can be used on adults and children. The afternoon session included first aid training on a wide range of topics. With people of all ages coming to the library, being prepared for emergencies has become a priority. Last year’s tornadoes proved the need to be ready for anything when dozens of people were stranded at the library including children who had to wait hours for their parents to pick them up due to downed power lines and trees.