Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (669) 209-5266
nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. OCT 17, 2024 — On October 22, the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region Training Services team in partnership with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) will host a record-setting youth certification event for the entire eighth grade class at Antioch’s Park Middle School, aiming to certify 350 students in Adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) in one day.

Led by Pete DeQuincy with EBRPD and Red Cross instructors from Dozier-Libbey Medical High School, this certification initiative will feature two sessions—morning and afternoon—each capable of accommodating 175 students as they learn essential lifesaving skills. With more than 36 CPR student instructors planned to be on site, this event marks a significant achievement in training, as this is the first time this many student instructors in the country have taught so many students at once.

“In a single day, we will be providing these young students with the knowledge necessary to recognize and care for a variety of emergency situations, from first aid to breathing and cardiac arrest,” Rafael Xavier, Red Cross Training Services representative, said. “It’s also an incredible opportunity for the group of student instructors; this training will help them develop lifelong leadership skills”

Approximately half a million cardiac arrests occur each year, with 70% happening outside of a hospital. CPR can double or triple the chance of survival when bystanders take action. Performed correctly and within minutes of someone experiencing cardiac arrest, CPR can help save a life.

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, designed to inform the public about warning signs, risk factors and what to do in a cardiac emergency. During this month, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to enroll in a CPR and AED course so they can learn how to help save a life when someone goes into cardiac arrest and minutes matter.  A variety of online, hybrid (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass

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.

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