The Glendale Fire Department this week introduced local residents to a free crash course in CPR training to help save a life.
“Anyone can save a life — just doing chest compressions and calling 911 raises the viability of getting a pulse and saving someone,” said GPD captain and paramedic David An.
Firefighters and paramedics on Thursday set up tents outside Glendale Community College and the Glendale Galleria with CPR training mannequins for a “sidewalk CPR” day, putting on demonstrations for the public and individually teaching the method.
Bystanders curiously approached the mannequins with encouragement from the energetic first responders. Some moms and dads strolling with their children were drawn to the infant mannequins.
“We’ve had a really good showing… Just spreading this knowledge and giving people confidence that they can intervene is important,” An said. “Instead of feeling helpless, now you’re helping.”
The hands-only CPR does not require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and can help save lives in cardiac emergencies. Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the world and bystander CPR can triple the chances of survival. About 70% of cardiac arrests occur at home or in public settings, which means family and bystander action is crucial.
According to the American Heart Association, about 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
“It’s a simple thing, chest compressions, but people need to jump in to do it. Any intervention they can do to get blood circulating can increase survival,” An added. “Time is tissue, as we say.”
First published in the June 3 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
