This pilot public health program is designed to increase the survival rate of cardiac victims. This partnership encourages local businesses throughout the greater Santa Barbara area to participate by committing to have 80% of their staff trained at free training events and by special arrangement.
Training takes just minutes to complete. Businesses, nonprofits and agencies that complete training for 80% of their employees will be as designated “Hands Helping Hearts” organizations.
Times and locations:
- Friday, March 30, 12 noon – 2 pm at Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center
- Friday, April 13, 12 noon – 2 pm at La Cumbre Plaza
Complete schedule to be announced at www.HandsHelpingHearts.org
To find out more, or to sign up for your business to participate, attend a training session, visit www.HandsHelpingHearts.org or call (805) 681-4373.
“Hands Only” CPR, chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breathing, has been proven to be as effective as standard CPR. The earlier CPR is started, the better the outcome for the victim. As ‘bystanders’ are more likely to do Hands Only CPR, effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can nearly triple a victim’s chance of survival.
The Medtronic Foundation is funding outreach and training materials for the pillot program. Outreach and training are being coordinated through the County of Santa Barbara Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency, Santa Barbara City Fire Dept. and American Medical Response Santa Barbara County. Those trained will not receive an official CPR certification, however, after the brief training process, they will be prepared to administer “Hands Only” CPR.