CPR training helps community members learn to save lives

FINDLAY — As CPR Week concludes, the American Heart Association and local organizations are reminding the public that everyday people can learn to save lives. CPR Week is June 1-7. The American Heart Association reported in a statement that many people might not know what to do if someone they live or work with suddenly collapses from a cardiac arrest. However, while "most people believe CPR is only for trained professionals," the truth is that anyone can and should step in, because immediate action saves lives, the organization stated. Hancock Public Health holds monthly CPR classes at its office. Participants can sign up through the health department's Facebook page or by emailing jhalsey@hancockph.com. The health department also offers CPR classes to groups or businesses upon request. "CPR is truly a skill that benefits everyone. We recommend it for parents, grandparents, babysitters, teachers, coaches and anyone who spends time around others—especially children or older adults," said Jessica Halsey, community health educator. "But beyond that, it's valuable for any community member. Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere—at home, at work, or in public—and having more people trained increases the chances of someone nearby being able to step in and help." Halsey said people are often surprised at how approachable the training is. Instructors break it down into simple steps, and participants have time to get hands-on practice. "It's very normal for people to feel a little intimidated at first or worry about doing it wrong, but the class is designed to remove that fear," she said. "We emphasize that doing something is far better than doing nothing, and by the end, most participants leave feeling empowered rather than intimidated." The more people who are trained in a community, the stronger that community's safety net becomes, Halsey said. "CPR can make the difference between life and death in the critical minutes before emergency responders arrive," she said. "In many cardiac emergencies, immediate action significantly improves survival rates.…. It's not just about certification; it's about building confidence and readiness so that if the unexpected happens, someone nearby knows how to respond quickly and effectively." An August 2022 blog post on the American Medical Association notes that, if too few individuals know how to perform CPR, then when people experience heart attacks in public, or in their homes, there may be no one present who knows how to help them. "And with each minute that passes, the chances of surviving a heart attack decline," the post states. "In fact, only about one in 10 cardiac arrest patients survive." Because of this, the AMA has been advocating that states make CPR training a part of high school graduation requirements. Blanchard Valley Health System also hosts CPR classes monthly for people of all ages and professional backgrounds. A listing of classes can be found at https://bvhealthsystem.org/classes-and-events The American Red Cross also offers online and in-person classes. For more information, visit https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr