American Red Cross encouraging public to enroll in CPR, AED classes
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – National CPR + AED Awareness Week takes place this week.
The American Red Cross is asking the public to enroll in CPR and AED classes to help save lives when cardiac arrest occurs.
More than 350,000 lives are lost in the United States due to cardiac arrest each year, making it the leading cause of death. With training, the public can assist those in duress with hands-only CPR in caring for a person with no signs of life.
According to the American Red Cross South Central Chapter, Hands-Only CPR is a non-certification initiative launched in late summer 2023 through the Red Cross Kentucky Region’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) committee. The training is aimed at teaching predominantly Black and Hispanic communities. It involves checking for consciousness, calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number, and providing chest compressions.
The initiative makes lifesaving training available to communities. Out of the 1,000 people trained in the state, the Red Cross South Central Chapter trained more than 700.
- Over 40 events held throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana
- As of May 2024: Reached 1,056 people, 80% youth ages 10-18
- 12+ nationalities represented
The American Red Cross provides lifesaving training all year. To learn more, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to sign up to be trained and certified in full CPR, First Aid and Babysitter’s Training
