Since CPR’s inception, there has been an overwhelming push to encourage bystanders to perform CPR in order save lives. That’s because the program works.
CPR will always be relevant to saving lives, and the more people who know it the better. Here are five programs that will help you educate and train the public to strengthen the chain of survival.
1. “Hands-Only” CPR
Hands-only CPR is a program that can be taught to anyone, anywhere. Whether you hold a class at the firehouse or at a school, your department can easily teach citizens to do “Hands-Only” CPR in two simple steps.
Doctor and actor Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong, M.D. better known as Ken Jeong, created a fun and entertaining video describing the steps of “Hands Only” CPR. Citizens can also learn on their own with a two minute video to the tune of Staying Alive with “Hands Only” CPR.
Click here for several “Hands-Only” videos including demos in Spanish.
2. Infant CPR Anytime
Infant CPR Anytime is an ideal program agencies can implement to educate the public on infant cardiac arrests. This is perfect for expecting or new parents, grandparents and siblings.
Agencies can purchase Infant CPR Anytime kits and use them to offer a class where each participant or family has their own infant manikin during the class. Citizens also can purchase the kit online and do a class at home. The kit includes an infant manikin, one replacement lung bag, a CPR information card and a 25-minute DVD in English or Spanish.
Buyers have the option of purchasing a kit with either a dark skin or light skinned infant manikin. This is also a unique gift for a baby showers.
The kits cost approximately $40.
3. Safe Families AmeriCorps
Safe Families AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides CPR and first aid classes as well as emergency preparedness classes to the public. AmeriCorps members will come to your location and provide the training to the public at no cost.
According to a recent study approximately 80 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home. The 2010 CPR and ECC guidelines state that most bystanders are hesitant to perform CPR because they fear they will injure the victim or they fear they will get sued.
Most states have some form of Good Samaritan law to protect people trying to save a life, and sharing the law with the community can help reduce the fear of legal liability when it comes to performing CPR. To find out the details of your state’s Good Samaritan law click here.
To find out if your agency is in a participating Safe Families AmeriCorps state, reach out to the State Service Commission.
4. CPR certifications in multiple languages
Language barriers can be a serious challenge for first responders. Agencies that have a non-English speaking population can offer CPR classes in multiple languages.
CPR, First Aid and AED courses are available in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Polish. This further increases the reach across diverse communities, engaging those who may be interested in learning about CPR but don’t share the same language with first responders serving them.
Once the course is complete students will receive a completion card in the respective language. Instructors will need to be American Heart Association Heartsaver instructors and also will need to speak the language they are training.
5. CPR in Schools initiative
Twenty states in the U.S. have passed laws requiring all students be trained in psychomotor skill-based CPR before graduating from high school. Ross Dress for Less, the third largest off-price retailer in the U.S. has committed to the CPR in Schools program by partnering with schools and funding the program.
More than 1,100 schools in the U.S. will receive a CPR in Schools training kits.
Agencies and citizens interested in having their state require CPR before high school graduation can join lawmakers and the grass roots campaign “You’re the Cure.”
As you’ll hear time and again, CPR saves lives. It works, and anyone can learn it. EMS is in a great position to educate the community to reduce their fears and engage them by offering CPR classes. Start by approaching church members, parent organizations, Boy Scouts and senior groups. Imagine how many lives would be saved by implementing one or two CPR sessions at your department.
