Mathews residents who want to know how to save a life but don’t have the time for classes can quickly learn a lifesaving skill in a new program sponsored by the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 18, the squad is offering 30-minute flash training sessions to familiarize as many residents as possible with the use of the AED (automated external defibrillator).

All a person has to do is show up at the rescue squad building, said squad spokesman Ron Lambert. No sign-up or paperwork is necessary, and there will be no certification. Participants will have hands-on contact with the AED and will learn the basics of CPR, all in 30 minutes, he said.

There will be six opportunities for people to participate, said Lambert—Oct. 18, 20, 25, 27, and Nov. 3 and 14—and three sessions per night will be offered, at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m.

With a dozen bright red AEDs now located outside in public spaces for emergency use by the public, Lambert said it’s impo...