The idea of a FREE CPR training day is not new. Communities throughout the country are embracing CPR training programs to increase public safety – and with positive results. Communities offering bystander CPR classes are experiencing strong turnouts for the events. But more importantly, they are also finding that the classes are yielding their intended goal: Attendees have gone on to use the knowledge they have gained to save lives.

Keep the Beat began in 2003 in the Bayou Region with a single-day CPR training event in Houma, Louisiana. Through generous community support and with the help of dedicated volunteers, the program trained over 650 people in “bystander” CPR since that time.

In 2004, St. Landry Parish adopted the initiative. That event continues to grow each year and has trained over 350 area residents to date.

In addition to holding FREE CPR training marathons, Keep the Beat is donating funds to purchase AEDs for Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, Assumption and St. Landry parishes. In June 2005, the foundation donated funds to purchase AEDs to be distributed to the Houma Police Department.

Please read on for course, sponsorship and volunteer information.