Community “hands-only” CPR launches at GFD.

Today, the Graafschap Fire Department launched its hands only CPR initiative. The sign on the door read, “20 minutes of your time now can save a LIFE!” This is true in many cardiac arrest situations.

During the quarterly Red Cross Blood Drive, donors were asked to give 20 minutes to learn basic life saving skills. A quick video was shown on CPR technique, and then a mannequin was provided for practice. Next, a training AED was introduced and electrode pads were placed on the mannequin. Students were instructed how to turn on and use the AED, which gave verbal commands on how to proceed.

About 75 percent to 80 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home, so being trained to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one.

Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double a victim’s chance of survival. CPR helps maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain and increases the amount of time that an electric shock from a defibrillator can be effective.

If you are in the Graafschap Fire response area and would like to have this information provided at your next neighborhood party, meeting, or public event, please contact us to discuss the possibilities. We can even host the class in our training room at the fire station for groups under 30 people.