News Summary
Several families in Knoxville participated in a hands-on CPR training session at Safety City, organized by the American Heart Association. This event, held during CPR and AED Awareness Week, provided essential techniques for responding to cardiac emergencies, highlighting the importance of community willingness to learn lifesaving skills.
Knoxville – Several families in Knoxville gathered at Safety City on Thursday to participate in a hands-on CPR training session organized by the American Heart Association. The event was held in recognition of CPR and AED Awareness Week, which aims to raise public awareness about the importance of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the use of AEDs (automated external defibrillators) during emergencies.
During the training, certified instructors guided participants through essential CPR techniques. Attendees were able to practice lifesaving procedures using both baby and adult mannequins, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the techniques in a safe and controlled environment. Experts emphasized the critical nature of quick action during emergencies, advising participants to always call 911 before commencing CPR.
In the United States, more than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of hospitals each year, which includes approximately 23,000 children. This alarming statistic underlines the necessity for widespread CPR training, particularly among families and caregivers. Children attending the session learned about the concept of “hands-only CPR,” which focuses on chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breathing, and were taught the importance of maintaining a steady rhythm while performing the procedure.
To help participants remember the correct pace, instructors suggested popular songs such as “Staying Alive,” “Nine to Five,” and “Rocky Top” as rhythmic guides. The two main steps taught during the session included calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 beats per minute.
In addition to general CPR training, the program highlighted significant legislative changes in Tennessee with the implementation of the Smart Heart Act. This law, effective July 1, mandates that all schools serving grades 9-12 are equipped with AEDs and ensures these devices are accessible during school hours and athletic events. The Smart Heart Sports Coalition is focused on preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest fatalities among high school students by promoting policy changes and increasing awareness of CPR education among coaches and school personnel.
The coalition aims to have AEDs clearly marked and readily available in schools to improve emergency response times. The necessity of community CPR training to improve survival rates for cardiac arrest victims has been underscored by experts in the field.
One organization committed to enhancing community preparedness is CPR Choice, which provides training to around 15,000 people annually across its locations in Tennessee and Colorado. CPR Choice not only focuses on comprehensive CPR training but also offers free classes and community initiatives, such as Hearts for the Homeless, which aims to address local needs and enhance overall public health and safety.
The effort by the American Heart Association, along with local organizations, reflects a growing commitment to equipping the community with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively in life-threatening situations. The event at Safety City served as a vital reminder of the importance of CPR education and preparedness for both individuals and families, fostering a safer environment for everyone.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Kids Learn CPR at Safety City
- WBIR: Kids Learn CPR for CPR Awareness
- WATE: New Tennessee Law Requires AEDs in High Schools
- Knox News: CPR Education Gap
- WBIR: Tennessee School Bus Drivers Required to be CPR Certified
- Wikipedia: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Google Search: CPR Training Tennessee
- Google Scholar: CPR Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Google News: CPR Awareness
