Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone at any time and knowing how to react can save lives. According to the American Heart Association, 70 percent of Americans may feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they either do not know how to administer CPR or their training has significantly lapsed. In an effort to change that statistic in Southwest Georgia, Phoebe’s Network of Trust is now offering Heartsaver CPR classes to the community.
 
The classes will be taught in accordance with the American Heart Association’s standards. Participants will learn how to provide CPR to an adult, child or infant and how to use an automated external defibrillator. A first aid component is also offered to learn how to manage medical and injury emergencies.
 
“In the event of an emergency, your CPR, AED and First Aid training could mean the difference between life and death. By properly administering CPR, you can help stabilize someone that is injured or ailing until help arrives,” said Hope Harrelson, BSN, Nurse Educator, Phoebe Network of Trust School Health Program.
 
The first Community Heartsaver CPR class will be held Saturday, February 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Phoebe East Conference Center located at 2410 Sylvester Road in Albany. The cost of the class is $40 for Heartsaver CPR and Basic First Aid.
 
A Basic Life Support certification class is also available to healthcare providers and healthcare students, which costs $50 and is scheduled on an individual basis. For more information on all classes, dates and locations or to register, contact Network of Trust at 229-312-4620. Registration is due by the Thursday before each scheduled class.