June 1-7 is National CPR and AED Awareness Week. The American Red Cross, along with other Citizen CPR Foundation members, is stressing that every second counts in cardiac arrest and people can save lives by knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. More than 1,600 people suffer cardiac arrest every day in the United States, so if you see someone collapse without warning, know your ‘Cardiac Arrest 1-2-3.’
Call 9-1-1.
Start CPR.
Use an AED.
Get trained. A variety of online, blended (online content with in-class skills session) and instructor-led classroom training offerings are available. Red Cross training and certification meets the needs of workplace responders, professional rescuers, school staff and healthcare providers as well as the public. Several courses are OSHA compliant. Check with your employer as to what class you need if you are taking training to fulfill a job requirement.
You'll find additional information and can enter your zip code to find training in your area by going to the CPR and AED training section of our website, or if you are a business or organization, you can get your employees trained in CPR and AED. The Red Cross can help you or your organization with facilitating the purchase of an AED, accessories, and service and maintenance plans.
The free Red Cross First Aid App provides users with instant access to information on sudden cardiac arrest, performing CPR and other emergencies. #CPRsaveslives.
Training during the COVID-19 pandemic: The health and safety of course participants and instructors is always our top priority. We continue to support critical healthcare and essential workforce needs for training in resuscitation, CPR and First Aid. These courses are offered, where permitted, with social distancing approaches and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local public health guidance. Each student will have their own individual manikin and we’ve modified our courses so there is no physical contact with other students.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
