Fanwood EMT Is Saving Lives Through Education

FANWOOD, NJ — Saving lives and helping others is something that is in Fanwood local Melissa Padulsky’s blood. And now she is passing on her invaluable knowledge to those of all ages.

Padulsky is the owner of Little Hearts, Big World in Scotch Plains where she teaches health and safety training such as CPR, first aid, babysitting safety, EMT and fire safety and more.

She grew up in a firehouse and then went on to help others by volunteering for the Fanwood Rescue Squad for 18 years and Scotch Plains Rescue Squad for 15 years.

Padulsky began teaching about 15 years ago for someone else and then decided she wanted to branch out on her own in 2013. Thus her lifesaving business was born.

"I wanted to grow as an instructor and help people," Padulsky said. "I want to give back to our community."

Her courses are open to professionals such as firefighters and rescue squad members looking to be certified and also families and teens learning to just be prepared.

"First aid is something anyone can do. We teach them how to put on band-aid to treating more serious illnesses," Padulsky said. "CPR is a good tool if God forbid something happens you will know what to do."

Padulsky will teach children and teens such as girl scout troops, a babysitting class or junior first responders to learn the basics. She also offers teaching classes on site at corporate locations, businesses such as a dentist’s office and more.

Padulsky who had worked as an EMT in Elizabeth and Clark in the past noted how she has had to perform CPR "quite a few times" in her career and even saved four people.

"The survival rate is better if someone starts CPR before EMTs get there," Padulsky said. "There is such a small window of time from when they collapse."

With the proper training, Padulsky added it will "takes a lot of the fear factor out of it. No one knows how they will react but if you have the tools and knowledge you will know what to do."

For more information visit litleheartsbigworld.com or on Facebook here.

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