Many attend free CPR and AED training

Each year, nearly 300,000 Americans have sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) more than double a victim’s chance of survival.

To increase people’s awareness of CPR and AED use, Western Baptist sponsored a free training seminar at the Baptist Heart Center during the American Heart Association’s national CPR and AED Awareness Week.

Several certified CPR instructors at Western Baptist volunteered their time to train 45 families, providing them take-home kits with instructional DVDs and a practice mannequin, purchased by the hospital’s Auxiliary.

Freda Thompson, Education instructor and co-organizer of the event, said the interest and attendance in the event coincides with heart disease prevalence in our area.

“Kentucky ranks sixth in the nation for heart disease,” said Thompson. “That’s why it’s so important—so urgent—for Kentuckians to know CPR and AED use. As the region’s healthcare leader, we’re thrilled to provide events like this to educate people in our community and ultimately, save lives.”