Free CPR Training Reminder

The City of Fort Wayne and the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana have teamed up for a special offer to those participating in Don’t Miss a Beat, the communitywide hands-only CPR training.

Anyone completing the training Oct. 25 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for CPR certification through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.

The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross’s adult, child, infant CPR training class through July 1, 2009. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attended the October training.

The compression CPR training offered throughout the day Oct. 25 at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, will train participants how to give adults life-saving chest compressions.

Individuals may register for the Don’t Miss a Beat training sessions online at 3RCPR.org, at any Fort Wayne Kroger or Scott’s location, and at any Fort Wayne fire station from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Registration is also available at the Fort Wayne/Allen County Department of Health’s office on the 5th floor of the City-County Building and the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, 826 Ewing St. Registration forms are also included with City Utilities’ September bills and can be returned with the payment.

The City of Fort Wayne has partnered with Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, the American Red Cross, Lutheran Health Network, Parkview Health, Focus on Health and the Fort Wayne/Allen County Department of Health to offer the free classes. While it is not a full CPR certification course and does not meet OSHA or federal guidelines for employment-required certification, it does teach a life-saving skill.

Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in a victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.

In addition to the training sessions Oct. 25 for residents ages 16 and up, the American Red Cross will have a blood drive at the Public Safety Academy and the Fort Wayne Police Department will offer demonstrations including training equipment at the academy. To secure a blood donation time, preferably after training, call (800) GIVE-LIFE.

To register online for training, visit 3RCPR.org. For more information, call (260) 427-1120 or e-mail 3rcpr@cityoffortwayne.org.