Red Cross Pioneer Encourages All to Learn CPR and AED

Learning CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) can possibly mean the difference between life and death for someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest, an event that claims the lives of more than 166,000 people in this country every year.

Sadly, 94{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest die before reaching a hospital. If ordinary people act immediately with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED, instead of just waiting for help to arrive, many thousands of lives can be saved every year.

American Red Cross training in CPR and proper use of an AED can provide people with the knowledge and confidence to respond during an emergency situation with skills that can help save a life. The Red Cross recommends that at least one person in every household and place of business receive this training.

The following upcoming CPR/AED trainings are open to all adults: Tuesday, March 2, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., 25 State St., Northampton; and Monday, March 9, 6 to 10 p.m., 506 Cottage St., Springfield.

The cost is $60 per person for either session, and pre-registration is required by calling the Pioneer Valley Chapter at (413) 737-4306 or visiting redcrosspioneervalley.org.

As a leader in health and safety training for nearly 100 years, the American Red Cross is today’s premier provider of first aid and CPR. Developed in conjunction with medical experts, each program delivers the latest information in life-saving techniques. Each course combines lecture, demonstration, video, hands-on skills training, and practice.

Upon successful completion, participants earn an American Red Cross course completion certificate, the emergency training credential accepted by OSHA and public safety agencies nationwide.