PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) will offer a free Choke Saver Training class on Monday, Aug. 21 from 10-11:15 am at BCC, located at 1350 West Street. 

 

The 75-minute class provides participants with a two-year certification.   

 

Local businesses, such as restaurants, that are required to have Choke Safe certified individuals on site are particularly encouraged to participate. Space is limited; each class can accept up to 30 students.   

 

To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/choke-saver. 

 

BCC began holding a series of Choke Saver classes in December 2022. Since then, more than 120 people have been certified, including employees of several restaurants in the Berkshires.  

 

"Choking is a silent killer, and seconds count. It can happen to anyone, at any time, and can be a scary experience — both for the victim and for the people around them. That's why it's so important to know how to respond to a choking emergency," said Maureen McLaughlin, Interim Executive Director of Workforce Development and Community Education. "Choke Saver can teach you the skills you need to help someone who is choking, which can make a big difference in the outcome of the situation. By taking a Choke Saver course at BCC, you are helping to make the world a safer place." 

 

Massachusetts law requires at least one employee to be trained in Approved Manual Choke Saving Procedures, which include the Heimlich Maneuver and Sequence of Obstructed Airway Maneuvers, for all food service establishments with 25 seats or more on-premises when food is being served.