HOUMA
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Do you know the most up-to-date lifesaving techniques?
If a friend or family member falls victim to cardiac arrest, do you know
what to do? Your actions could save
precious moments before medical assistance arrives on the scene.
That is why local businesses and organizations are sponsoring "Keep the Beat," a non-profit event consisting of two bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
training sessions that are free to the public.
The event will be held at the
Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
on Saturday, March 13 with sessions at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Certified CPR instructors teach the sessions which are about 1 ½ hours long.
Manikins will be provided for hands-on experience, and an educational presentation
will be given on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
These portable, electronic, life-saving units are simple devices that give the user step-by-step verbal instructions on administering shocks to the victim. The use of CPR and an AED greatly increases a victim?s chance for survival because these steps can be taken prior to the arrival of a professional medical team.
The "Keep the
Beat" effort targets the Bayou Region to educate residents from Assumption, Lafourche,
St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes in basic lifesaving techniques.
Although
South Louisiana
has one of the highest incidences of heart and vascular disease, many in the area do not know how to perform CPR.
The American Heart Association lists four steps to save the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim: early contact with 911, the administration of CPR, defibrillation and advanced care for the patient. The use of effective bystander CPR nearly doubles a victim?s chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest.
"Keep the Beat"
began in 2003 and has since educated more than 1,000 people in bystander CPR.
To register
for these free bystander CPR classes, please call 1-877-288-0011 or visit
www.keepthebeat.net.
