Free Hands-Only CPR training to be offered Oct. 1
September 11, 2014
The American Heart Association's Hands-Only CPR Mobile Tour is coming to Purdue's West Lafayette campus on Oct. 1, and all Purdue faculty and staff are invited to this disco party-themed event.
"You'll get a CPR Anytime kit to use during your training and to take home so that your whole family can know this important skill," says Luis E. Lewin, vice president for human resources. "Not only will you learn a skill that can save lives, you'll enjoy music and fun while you're doing it."
The training uses a disco theme because "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees has more than 100 beats per minute, which is the rate at which a person should push on the chest during CPR. The training takes about 30 minutes.
Eighty percent of sudden cardiac arrests happen in private or residential settings, according to the American Heart Association. Statistically speaking, if someone is called on to give CPR in an emergency, the person most likely will be trying to save the life of his or her own child, spouse, parent or friend.
Purdue employees may attend in paid status with their supervisor's approval. To pre-register, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/CPRatPurdue. Everyone who completes the training will be entered into a drawing to win one of seven Fitbits, to be awarded by Anthem.
The Oct. 1 training will be offered at multiple times throughout the day at Córdova Recreational Sports Center's Feature Gym -- 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
Classes start promptly, and participants should arrive about 10 minutes ahead of time. This is not a CPR certification course. Those looking for a program to become certified in CPR may contact the Recreational Sports Center for information.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's corporate foundation has awarded the American Heart Association a three-year, $4.5 million grant to bring the lifesaving hands-only CPR technique to 100 million Americans.
