Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 14, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is celebrating the 59th anniversary of American Heart Month by offering free Hands-Only CPR training, Thursday, Feb. 16., from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The class will be held at the local Red Cross office, 444 E. Warm Springs Rd.
When the heart stops, CPR can keep vital oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart, explains Dr. Walter Kelley, Divisional Chief Medical Officer for the Pacific, Rocky Mountain, and Southwest Divisions of the American Red Cross. “CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest,” Dr. Kelley said. “And keeping blood flow active – even partially – extends the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive on site.”
The Red Cross wants everyone to know minutes count when the heart stops – and that three out of four cardiac arrests occur at home or at work. “That means any one of us could be needed to help save the life of a person we know or love using CPR,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We want to encourage everyone to learn CPR or Hands-Only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breathing) and be ready to act quickly, with confidence and knowledge, if an emergency happens.”
Get the Red Cross training you need
Choose from a variety of certified training classes in person, online, or hybrid, including traditional CPR and Hands-Only CPR. The Red Cross also offers certification in AED, using a defibrillator to get the heart started again, which helps prevent not only death, but also brain damage. Learn more at redcross.com/take-a-class.
The Red Cross also comes to schools, businesses, community groups, and religious organizations to teach Hands-Only CPR at no cost. Learn more and request a presentation at rdcrss.org/3KdoALo.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app
Get instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including how to perform CPR and use an AED, in English and Spanish. Red Cross apps are compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices, search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
American Heart Month started in February 1964
President Lyndon B. Johnson, among the millions of American heart attack sufferers, issued the first proclamation in 1964, and since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February American Heart Month. During the month, the American Red Cross is joined by other organizations to reinforce the importance of heart health, healthy lifestyle, and to learn what to do if someone is having a heart attack.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.