Learning CPR & how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) could mean the difference between life & death for someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest or other medical emergency. During the first National CPR/AED Awareness Week, this June 1st - 7th, the Grand Canyon Chapter encourages everyone to learn these important skills that could someday save a life.
“The Red Cross wants the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life. At least one person in every household & on every office floor should be trained & certified in first aid & CPR/AED,” says Harry Coyle, Grand Canyon Chapter health & safety director.
“On average, it takes emergency personnel 10 minutes to arrive on scene. For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing, that may be too late. By learning simple rescue skills, you can go from being a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control & help someone during an emergency.”
Arizonans can learn to save a life by taking a Red Cross CPR/AED course. To see the class schedule & register, visit: arizonaredcross.org.
Business leaders can train their workers by setting up a Red Cross CPR/AED class at their workplace. Email training@arizonaredcross.org for details.
Another option is learning basic life-saving skills at home, in the office, in classrooms or anywhere it’s convenient to practice skills, with the Red Cross’s First Aid & CPR for Everyone Kit. Although not intended to substitute for a formal training course, this product was designed to provide consumers an educational overview of valuable first aid & CPR information & skills. The box set features an illustrated guide to demonstrate hand placement on the chest & a compression practice tool to help measure just the right amount of pressure needed to properly administer chest compressions.
In December of 2007, Congress declared the first week of June each year as National CPR/AED Awareness Week. June 1st - 7th, 2008 will mark the first National CPR & AED Awareness Week with the goal of encouraging individuals & business leaders to become trained in CPR & the use of AED.