Cardiac arrest is an electric malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat and an abrupt loss of heart function. Cardiac arrest can be fatal if immediate life saving measures are not performed. Every year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur. Approximately 70% of those events happen in the home. If you ever need to perform CPR, there is a good chance that it may be for a family member or friend.
According to The American Heart Association, bystanders start CPR in only 37% of the time in the tragic event of cardiac arrest. When CPR is started right after recognition of cardiac arrest, a person’s chances of survival can double or triple!
It’s our job as a fire district to make our best efforts to ensure that citizens are educated and trained to help when needed. While, we always recommend a full CPR certification class to perfect skills, learning Hands Only (Bystander) CPR can be just as effective.
On Saturday April 11th, we will be hosting a free event so that everyone can have a chance to learn the basics of Hands Only CPR so they can be prepared if the event ever occurs. After a short presentation and tutorial, everyone will be able to practice on CPR manikins. There is not an age limit; children and adults alike may attend. Please consider taking a half hour out of your day to learn how to save a life.
The event will be at our Headquarters building located at 23748 W. 135th St. The time blocks are 10am, 11am, and 12pm. To let us know that you will be attending, please send an email to cprclassregistration@plainfieldfpd.com so we can make sure to accommodate everyone that is interested.