(Acworth, Ga. – May 19, 2016)
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women – claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Because the care received immediately following a heart attack can greatly increase the survival rate of an individual, Chattahoochee Technical College’s Shelby Martin encourages individuals to become trained in CPR. Martin is the American Heart Association Training Center Coordinator for the college.
In recognition of CPR Week, which runs June 1-7, Chattahoochee Technical College will be offering a free hands-only Friends and Family CPR class to the community on June 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on the North Metro Campus, Building D, Room 402.
“This class is for anyone who does not wish to obtain a certification, but wishes to learn lifesaving skills in the event of an emergency with a friend or family member,” Martin said. “A heart attack can happen at any time and knowing how to help someone is critical. This skill could save the life of someone you love.”
Because of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, it has been noticed that many people are not willing to respond in an emergency for fear of contamination. According to Martin, compression CPR was developed to help the American Heart Association reach more people and save more lives.
“With the goal of saving lives in mind, the American Heart Association developed the Friends and Family course and hands-only CPR to encourage more individuals to do something. Survival rates are drastically increased even with just hands-only CPR,” Martin said. “If it was a witnessed arrest, the lungs have enough oxygen to help sustain vital organs within the first 15 minutes if someone is providing compressions.”
For those desiring a certification, a HeartSaver CPR and AED class will be offered at a discounted rate on June 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, on the North Metro Campus. The course, which costs $25, offers a certification for those who need it for work outside of a healthcare setting. This is also appropriate for community members wanting to go more in-depth than just hands-only CPR.
Additionally, those needing certification for a healthcare position, may register for Basic Life Support classes being offered on June 1 at the North Metro Campus or on June 3 at the Marietta Campus. This course, which costs $25, is designed for individuals in the healthcare field needing adult, child and infant CPR, AED and choking prevention.
All of these classes are offered at different times during the year at Chattahoochee Technical College’s North Metro Campus at regular rates; however, fees for the week of June 1 through June 7 have been reduced or waived in honor of CPR Week. For more information or to register, visit the program’s website at www.chattahoocheetech.edu/american-heart-association or call 770-528-3538.