Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced that the Suffolk County Department of Health Services will be offering five free CPR training classes for residents during the month of February, which is dedicated as American Heart Month. The trainings will focus on Chest-Compression-Only CPR, which, according to the American Heart Association, has the same statistical odds of saving a person's life as traditional CPR.
“When a cardiac event occurs, a rapid medical response can mean the difference between life and death,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “Our hope is that through these classes we can raise awareness about the importance of making health conscious choices and help our residents be prepared to jump into action if disaster strikes.”
Upcoming CPR Classes
Saturday, February 16th at 11:00 AM
Huntington Community First Aid Squad
2 Railroad St, Huntington Station
Wednesday, February 20th at 7:00 PM
North Babylon Fire Company
20 Hale Road, North Babylon
Sunday, February 24th at 9:00 AM
Shoreham Fire Company
47 Route 25A, Rocky point
Thursday, February 28th at 7:00 PM
East Islip Public Library (Hosted by the Exchange Ambulance of the Islip’s)
381 E Main St, East Islip, NY 11730
Recent studies by the American Heart Association show that chest-compression-only CPR may be easier to learn and remember than traditional CPR, which alternates between chest compressions and mouth to-mouth resuscitation. Non-medical personnel may be more willing to perform chest-compression-only CPR, as they may not want to do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation -- especially on strangers.
Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay said: “American Heart Month brings awareness to one of the major health issues in America today, which is heart disease. It’s important for Suffolk County residents to be informed in order to make healthy decisions for themselves, and their loved ones. I commend the County Executive for providing free CPR training classes in order to educate individuals about cardiac arrest and learn the ways in which they can help if anyone is ever in need. Being trained in CPR is a vital skill to have, and I believe having the capability to save someone’s life is priceless.”
Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker said: “It is so important that we educate residents on how to respond in emergency situations. We never know when we might cross paths with someone who needs our help. CPR classes and other related trainings provide us with the skills necessary to potentially save a life.”
Suffolk County Legislator William Spencer, MD said: "With heart disease being the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, these courses will give all residents the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. The compression-only CPR method offers a more straightforward technique that anyone can learn and apply. “I encourage residents to participate in these free courses which should significantly increase the chances of survival for those suffering from cardiac events."
Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly said: “As a retired New York City Firefighter and three-decade volunteer fireman who has been in many emergency situations, I know that the key to saving a life is the ability to take immediate action. Any one of us, at any time, may find ourselves in a cardiac situation with a family member, friend, co-worker or stranger and by learning CPR, you can be the one who has the ability to give life-saving immediate assistance. Truly, a few hours of your life could make the difference in someone else’s and I urge everyone to attend one of these free classes.”
###