CPR/AED Program
In conjunction with their acceptance of the American Heart Association’s “Heart Ready City Award” for 2004, Boynton Beach Fire Rescue has announced the 2008 class schedule offered to residents interested in learning CPR as well as the proper use of life-saving AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators). The programs, known as the “Heart Saver AED” and “Family and Friends” programs (not affiliated with any cell phone company or calling plan), are designed to teach non-medical first responders the life-saving techniques touted by the American Heart Association in their “Heart Ready” program. The City Of Boynton Beach was awarded the first ever award of this kind in South Florida having met the eight criteria set forth by the AHA (call the Heart Association at 561-697-6609 for more information). Those criteria include the provision for training non-medical first responders to utilize the AEDs in an effort to reduce the “time to defibrillation”, part of the “chain of survival” model. So far, BBFRD has trained over 400 residents.
For 2008, Boynton Beach residents can sign up for the classes to be held one Thursday evening a month from 6pm-10pm. The “Family and Friends” class will offer a non-certificate introduction to cardio pulmonary resuscitation or “CPR”. The “Heart Saver AED” course will serve to certify students in both CPR and AED proficiencies. Classes range from $15 to $40 and can be taken individually or in conjunction with one another.
“It’s a fact that these programs save lives. First responders, often a friend or family member, can provide the most essential link in the chain of survival. The first 3-5 minutes can mean the difference between life and death. These new AED’s are intentionally user-friendly so that virtually anyone can operate them effectively with this simple training. While some may be intimidated or believe that only medical professionals can use them, I would urge those people, especially, to take these classes. I’m sure they’d be 'shocked' at just how easy these units are when saving the life of a loved one,” says Steve Lewis, Community Relations Specialist for Boynton Beach Fire Rescue. For more information or to register, call 561-742-6335.
