The Importance of CPR & AED Use

AED and CPRThe Importance of CPR & AED Use

February is National Heart Month, and the Y would like to echo the following statement from the American Red Cross:

Our thoughts are with Damar Hamlin, his family and the entire NFL community, and we are hopeful he has a fast and full recovery. Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime at home, in the workplace or in the community. Every second counts when sudden cardiac arrest occurs, and it’s critical to know what to do in an emergency. As many of you already know, if you see someone suddenly collapse and you don’t know CPR, call or have someone else call 911 and start Hands-Only CPR (chest compressions only) immediately. The Red Cross recommends this lifesaving training for everyone, including parents, grandparents and caregivers. Red Cross First Aid training takes only a few hours and can give you the skills and confidence to act when moments matter and help save a life.

 

AEDIn addition to CPR, use of an Automated External Device (AED) by a trained individual can significantly increase a person’s chances of survival in the event of a cardiac emergency. The Chambersburg Memorial YMCA has four AEDs that are easily accessible. There is one in the upstairs hallway off the lobby heading toward the Babysitting Room, one in the Aquatic Director’s office, one outside the health centers (pictured) and one outside group fitness studios at the William K Nitterhouse Family Program Center. All four are inspected monthly and are equipped with both adult and pediatric pads as well as a kit of necessities for an emergency (ie. gloves, scissors, a face shield and more). Please familiarize yourself with the locations of these devices on your next trip to the Y so you can be prepared to assist in the event of an emergency.

 

Finally, did you know the Y offers First Aid, CPR and AED classes for the community? Click here for a flyer of our upcoming training dates.

More trainings can be scheduled upon request. Please contact Jen Gossert at jgossert@chbgy.org with questions or additional training needs.