Coming Soon to a Livingroom Near You: Infant CPR Training by the American Red Cross

“Parties” make learning lifesaving skill fun and convenient for parents, caregivers

WASHINGTON, Friday, August 26, 2005 — Starting in September, American Red Cross CPR instructors will be available for parties and will start making house calls. That's because the organization will officially launch its “Safe Baby Presentation” service, a non-certified orientation to infant CPR, which makes learning the lifesaving skill convenient and fun by delivering it in a “party” setting—a gathering of parents, family and friends. Red Cross chapters nationwide already providing CPR training will include the “Safe Baby Presentation” as an option in their overall lineup.

Targeted to parents, caregivers and other family members, the approximately one hour “Safe Baby Presentation” is ideal for those interested in learning infant CPR, but who do not need certification for official purposes such as a work or volunteer position requirement. The interactive session includes hands-on instruction and skills practice with infant manikins. Caring for a choking infant is also covered and participants receive a “has completed” card at the end. In addition, instructors refer to, and leave behind the “American Red Cross First Aid and Preparedness Booklet,” a handy guide for refreshing and expanding knowledge.

“This is resonating with many because it takes elements from two very popular types of parties—product sale parties and baby showers—and adds a unique twist with a value that is twofold,” said Scott Conner, vice president of American Red Cross Products and Health and Safety Services. “Hosts and guests give and receive a gift of lifesaving knowledge. We think that is a very special thing.”

With the launch of “Safe Baby Presentations,” the American Red Cross moves one step closer to its goal of having at least one person in each of the nation's households trained to administer first aid, CPR, and to use an AED. September is also Baby Safety Month and National Preparedness Month. For more information on how being prepared can help keep infants, individuals, families and communities healthy and safe, visit www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.