If you've been wanting to learn how to save a life in ther event of a heart attack, here's your chance. And it will only cost your time.
Teachers of Advanced cardiac Life support are teaming up with Island Health, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, BC Emergency Health Services will hold a free community training event at Royal Jubilee Hospital on Friday, April 20th.
The session will teach simple techniques that could potentially save someone's using hands-only CPR and how to use a defibrillator.
Cardiac survivors will also share their stories about the importance of quick action when sudden cardiac arrest occurs. In B.C., the bystander CPR rate is 25%. By training more people to know what to do when sudden cardiac arrest occurs, this rate can be improved.
Once trained participants can download a new " PulsePoint Respond App " which alerts if there is a sudden cardiac arrest within 400 metres of your location anywhere in BC. The app will also tell you if there is a public access defibrillator nearby, and where it is.
Once you receive the alert and find the patient you will know how to perform hands-only CPR, and use the defibrillator if available, until professional responders arrive.
There will be 3 sessions at 1, 2 and 3pm. Weather permitting the sessions will take place in the parking lot outside Begbie Hall -- if the weather turns it will be moved into the Woodward Room inside Begbie.
Participants are asked to register online (tinyurl.com/CHAMPS-RJH) to guarantee a spot, or you can show up and take your chances. There is space for 100 participants per hour.