Free “Hands Only” CPR May Trainings

Local EMS agencies invite local businesses and everyone in the community who wants to be trained in “Hands-Only” CPR, an easy, yet important life-saving technique. The goal is to reduce the number of cardiac arrest-related deaths in the region by ensuring that local businesses, nonprofits and the community at large are prepared in the event of such an emergency. Local firefighters and paramedics will be providing the free training from 12 noon to 2 pm on Friday, May 11th at the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center and Friday, May 25th at La Cumbre Plaza. Training takes just minutes to complete.

Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services Agency, Santa Barbara City Fire Dept. and American Medical Response are providing the free training at convenient locations and on-site at businesses. 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 event scheduled through June, or by special arrangement for those unable to attend the scheduled trainings.

MORE INFORMATION at www.HandsHelpingHearts.org.

“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. But, an average of only 32% of cardiac arrest victims get CPR from a bystander.

The Medtronic Foundation is funding outreach and training materials for the pilot program. Outreach and training are being coordinated through the Santa Barbara City Fire Dept. and American Medical Response Santa Barbara County. Those trained will not receive an official CPR certification, however, they will be prepared to administer “Hands Only” CPR after the brief training session.