American Red Cross
Mid-Missouri Chapter
1805 West Worley St.
Columbia, MO 65203
573-445-9411 (phone)
800-359-8829
573-446-4247 (fax)

 


The Mid-Missouri Red Cross Celebrates National CPR/AED Awareness Week

June 1-7 marks first observance; Red Cross goal to train 250,000 individuals during week



May 29, 2008 – Learning Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can quite possibly mean the difference between life and death for someone suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest or another medical emergency.

 

During this first National CPR/AED Awareness Week, the American Red Cross Mid-Missouri Chapter encourages everyone to learn these important skills that could someday save a life. In fact, as further motivation, the chapter is offering a free gift to those individuals who take a CPR/AED certification course during the month of June. 

 

“The Red Cross wants the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life. At least one person in every household and on every office floor should be trained and certified in First Aid and CPR/AED,” says Julie Wiecken, Education and Marketing Director of the chapter. “On average, it takes emergency personnel 10 minutes to arrive on scene. For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing -- that may be too late.”

 

“By learning simple rescue skills, you can go from being a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control and help someone during an emergency,” she added.

 

As part of the national observance, Governor Matt Blunt has also underscored the importance of the week by issuing an official proclamation for the State of Missouri. 


In less time than you think, the American Red Cross can give you the vital knowledge and skills to respond to a life-threatening situation with confidence.  Three options include:

* First Aid with CPR/AED training for certification;
* Visiting the FREE "Be Red Cross Ready" online presentation; or
* Learning at home with Compressions-Only CPR materials such as, First Aid and CPR for Everyone: an Introduction to Basic Lifesaving Skills.


For more information on these training options, visit the American Red Cross Mid-Missouri Chapter website at www.redcross-midmo.org or call (800) 359-8829.

 

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The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission.