St. Louis, Tuesday, May 25, 2010 – The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter is celebrating National CPR and AED Awareness Week, June 1—7, 2010, by offering a 10-percent discount for people who register online for CPR classes with an AED component. Local companies, schools, municipalities and other community organizations are encouraged to contact the Red Cross about starting an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program in order to be prepared for the unexpected.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of modern-day CPR – the combination of breaths and compressions. Every year, the St. Louis Area Chapter trains more than 86,000 people in First Aid and CPR skills – but there are still more people to reach. The American Red Cross recommends that at least one person in every home and every office floor be trained to provide lifesaving CPR/AED care in an emergency situation.

“Knowing how to perform CPR and how to use an AED are essential life skills that everyone needs to know,” said Maxine Hepper, chief preparedness, health and safety officer for the St. Louis Area Chapter. “National CPR/AED Awareness Week is the perfect time to get trained or re-certified to save a life.”

The St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross encourages you to become involved in one of the following ways:

Take A Class
During National CPR/AED Awareness Week (June 1—7) the St. Louis Area Chapter is offering online discounts on CPR/AED classes of 10-percent. This applies to any CPR class with an AED component, as long as the participant registers online during June 1—7.

Additionally, on Saturday, June 5, the Chapter is hosting a special CPR/AED class for professionals ages 25—45, at a cost of only $10. This is hosted by Club Red, a young professionals group dedicated to the Red Cross mission of preventing, preparing for and responding to disasters.

You can sign up for a class online at www.redcrossstl.org by clicking “Take a Class” or by calling 314.516.2740.

Start an AED program at your office
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable, lightweight device about the size of a laptop. An AED automatically analyzes the heart’s rhythm, and if necessary, prompts the user to deliver a shock to the victim of sudden cardiac arrest. This shock, called defibrillation, helps the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm of its own. Published studies indicate survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest can exceed 70 percent if defibrillation is administered during the first few minutes. 

The Red Cross has a very knowledge staff with multiple years of experience that can assist organizations when it comes to implementing an AED program. To inquire about purchasing an AED, contact Dana Garner at 314.516.2730.

Join the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors Group
Nine survivors of sudden cardiac arrest from the St. Louis region have joined together to form their own support group. This year, they officially became the Gateway Chapter of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association. Together, the group is committed to increasing public awareness of the need for AEDs throughout Missouri in places such as schools, daycare centers, and first responder vehicles. Anyone who has survived sudden cardiac arrest is encouraged to join the Gateway Chapter of SCAA by contacting Linda Dickson, at 314.516.2850 or gatewaychapterofscaa@yahoo.com.

Nominate a Lifesaver
Do you know someone who used CPR, an AED or First Aid to save another person’s life? The Lifesaver Awards Program, sponsored by AAA, is designed to inspire others to get trained in First Aid and CPR by recognizing local citizens for preparing themselves to respond in an emergency situation. Since its inception in 1984, the Red Cross Lifesaver Program has honored more than 400 St. Louis heroes. To nominate a Lifesaver, go to www.redcrossstl.org.

To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.