TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--Leon County's "Press the Chest 2015" received quite the response. About 800 people showed up to participate this year. That's compared to 450 last year. It's a free community-wide CPR training event. It was held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center and led by Leon County Emergency Medical Services.
"We want to ensure that residents in our community have easy access to learn CPR. We're so thrilled so many came out today to participate in this annual training – to learn the latest procedures or refresh their skills," said Mary Ann Lindley, Chairman of the Leon County Board of Commissioners. "The family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, church member, coach or teacher is often the first one on the scene to help. You never know when an emergency may call you into action and the quicker you react, the greater your chance to save someone's life."
EMS personnel taught the new recommendations for CPR. Procedures were updated by the American Heart Association in 2010 from the previous recommendation of A-B-C (Airway-Breathing-Compressions) method to C-A-B (Compressions-Airway-Breathing). Participants learned all about the importance of high-quality CPR, performing CPR correctly and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Each year, sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of nearly 400,000 people throughout the country. According to Leon County, EMS data show that CPR is performed only 20 percent of the time by bystanders in the community prior to EMS arrival.
"This is one of the most important activities we offer to increase health awareness and preparedness for the residents of Leon County," said County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "To ensure we are reaching the greatest level of participation, we continue promoting the community training through conventional methods, and couple these efforts with social media outreach on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram."
You can visit www.LeonCountyFL.gov/PressTheChest to find out more information.
For more information regarding setting up free CPR, AED or first-aid training at a school or place of business, you can contact EMS Capt. Sally Davis, Public Education Coordinator, at (850) 606-2100 or DavisSal@LeonCountyFL.gov.
