Local nonprofits offer CPR classes for free
In an emergency, every second counts.
Medical Professionals say every moment that passes in an emergency is muscle loss. True Community joined with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and The Center For Closing The Health Gap in outreach to protect those precious moments and save lives.
Nnamdi Anene of True Community says teaching CPR can have a life-saving impact.
“Everyone is always waiting for the first responder, but you can be the first responder," Anene said. "While the EMS is coming, there is precious time that doesn’t have to go to waste where you can serve them with life-saving skills to elevate their chances of living.”
Community organizations gathered at the Center For Closing The Health Gap to certify agency leaders and anyone with an interest in basic emergency medical aid and CPR.
The two-hour session was a short commitment that saved lives.
Dr. Clyde Henderson says the impact can be measured in lives saved.
“We know that 1,000 people per day suffer from cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. And only 40 percent of the people who suffer cardiac arrest get bystander CPR,” Henderson said.
With each cycle and each compression, Dr. Henderson says attendees of the training session are potentially preparing to save a life.
“For every minute that a heart is not beating, it’s a 10 percent less chance of survival, so it's important to get that CPR started right away when someone falls ill with a cardiac arrest,” Henderson said.
For the volunteers and trainers and participants, the commitment is simply one day. But the lessons and certifications, according to Anene, can mean the difference between life and death.
"As long as you are willing you can learn the steps. We do our best to make this as practical step by step. We work with anyone who wants to learn, and as you can see, it's easy to do a great job."