Friday, Febraury 6, 2004

CPR Saturday coming back to FCHS

Would you know what to do if a friend of family member had a heart attack? If you can’t answer yes to this important question with confidence, CPR Saturday is an event you won’t want to miss. You can learn the life-saving skills of Adult CPR and know that can make a difference between life and death when every second counts. 

The 21st Annual Red Cross CPR Saturday is set for March 6 at 12 convenient locations around the metro area, including two in the south metro area: Fayette County High School and Kaiser Permanente Henry Towne Centre Medical Center in McDonough. Kaiser Permanente is serving as the primary sponsor for the eighth year in a row. This sponsorship, along with the support of other community partners, allows Red Cross to provide the training for a nominal fee of $10 per person. This is a bargain for participants as the Adult CPR course is normally $65.

Participants will also receive a demonstration in Automated External Defibrillator use and information on Together, We Prepare - the five steps to emergency preparedness. In addition, each participant will receive a coupon for a 10 percent discount on a Red Cross course scheduled by April 6.

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Call 404-575-3707 to apply.

Instruction in Adult CPR skills takes about four hours. With a passing grade, participants will receive Red Cross certification, which is good for one year. The first class at each site will start at 9 a.m. with new classes beginning approximately every half-hour until the last session at 2 p.m. The training is usually suitable for ages 12 and up. Children must be strong enough to successfully perform chest compressions. Childcare will not be provided and small children should not attend.

Pre-registration is required. There are three ways to register. The easiest way is to call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) during regular business hours to register and pay the $10 fee (payable by debit or credit card). If you call after hours, leave your contact information and someone will return your call the next business day.

Participants can also register and pay the $10 fee (by debit card, credit card or cash) in person at the nearest Red Cross Service Center. (Call 404-575-3730, option #7 or go to www.redcrossatlanta.org for service center locations and directions.) You can also submit a request form online at www.redcrossatlanta.org or e-mail cs@arcatl.org with your callback information and someone will get in touch with you during business hours. 

Liz Zaharopoulos, the director of this year’s event, said CPR Saturday is one of the organization’s most important events of the year and serves to say thanks to the community for their year-round support. “Red Cross volunteers and staff have been working hard on this for the last few months,” she explained, “but they know their efforts may result in saved lives. That is all the reward they need.”

In addition to the title sponsorship of Kaiser Permanente, support for the event is also coming from WSB-TV, Channel 2 Family 2 Family Project, Kroger, AT&T Wireless and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. Zaharopoulos stressed, “Kaiser Permanente and our other great sponsors make this wonderful event possible. Each one of them is showing their commitment to helping create a better, safer community.”