LAFD News:
Every person in Los Alamos will have the chance to learn how to be a hero by attending the New Mexico Heart Institute’s 6th annual Project Heart Start event Saturday June 25.
The free event will teach Los Alamos families a “new” form of CPR called Compression‐Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (COCPR).
Sudden cardiac arrest kills more than 400,000 people in the U.S. every year, and nearly 9,000 of these cases happen in children under the age of 18. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if those close by had been aware of and taken a few simple, lifesaving steps.
If an adult suddenly collapses, the new CPR requires the rescuer to call 911 and then compress the chest at 100 compressions per minute. The great thing about compression-only CPR is there is no more fumbling around trying to find a pulse, no mouth‐to‐mouth breathing and no complicated sequences to remember. It is easy to learn and more importantly, easy to remember.
“Many citizens may not choose to do CPR on a person having cardiac arrest because they’re afraid to make a mistake or hurt someone or are uncomfortable performing mouth‐to‐mouth breathing,” said Project Director Dr. Barry Ramo, a New Mexico Heart Institute cardiologist. “The compression-only CPR is going to change that and change the lives of New Mexicans.”
At the event, attendees will learn simple life-saving techniques by watching a video. Then, volunteer facilitators will work with small groups and use manikins to teach proper chest compression, how to recognize the signs of a heart attack, how to use an automated external defibrillator and how to save someone who is choking.
The event does not provide CPR certification. If certification is needed, the standard four-hour course is necessary.
Major Sponsors and Partners:
- KOAT Channel 7
- NM Heart Institute
- Los Alamos County Fire Department
What: Project Heart Start New Mexico – CPR Training
When: Saturday, June 25, 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. (Participants should plan on coming to one of the 40-minute sessions)
Where: Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos
Cost: FREE
More Info: www.projectheartstartnm.org or contact Donna McHenry at 505.662.8307 or donna.mchenry@lacnm.us.
