Tri-Community Ambulance Service Inc., in conjunction with its co-sponsor, Action CPR LLC, is looking to potentially change the outcome for people who go into sudden cardiac arrest.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation cardiac arrest is witnessed by a bystander in 38.7 percent of cases and bystander-witnessed cases had a 31.4 percent survival rate compared to a 10.6 percent survival rate for those who did not have bystander assistance prior to EMS arrival. Studies have shown people have double to triple the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest if bystander CPR is initiated prior to EMS arrival.
Starting on March 3, the duo is kicking off its "100 Lives in 100 Days" campaign, looking to train a minimum of 100 civilians on life-saving skills to assist someone in cardiac arrest.
There is evidence to support increased survival rates for early CPR and early access defibrillation. The best chances for survival is when those who witness someone go into cardiac arrest are trained and willing to do CPR early, and prior to EMS arrival.
The training is free of charge to those who attend, and will be taught by certified instructors.
Classes will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 3 and 26 at the Wheatfield Community Center; from 6-10 p.m. April 13 at the Wheatfield Community Center; from 2-6 p.m. April 28 at the Bergholz Fire Co.; and from 6-10 p.m. May 4 at the Wheatfield Community Center.
To enroll, participants can visit the Tri-Community website at www.tricommunityambulance.org/100-lives. For more information, email [email protected].