Wednesday, May 12, 2004

CPR Saturday draws sizeable crowd By CAROLYN CARY ccary@TheCitizenNews.com The American Red Cross sponsors a CPR Saturday annually and it took place this year at the Fayette County High School, drawingÊapproximately 253 participants. Each registrant was given an instruction booklet and combined with a CPR instruction video, provided the initial information. Small groups were then formed and actual practice on manikins began. Participants not only became proficient in the lifesaving skill of CPR, but were also trained in how to deal with emergency situations. This also included instructions on how to deal with a choking victim. The Red Cross will be kicking off a “HEROES for the American Red Cross” campaign in the South Metro region, including Fayette County, this summer. It supports Red Cross Services, such as CPR training and disaster response. This is a three-week, volunteer-led, community-based fundraising and awareness event. During this campaign Fayette County residents can sign-on to be Red Cross HEROES and pledge to raise and/or donate $1,000 for the Red Cross. In the year 2003, Red Cross volunteers responded to and met the emergency needs of 77 people in Fayette County, mostly related to single-family home fires. Information on this community event in Fayette County will be forthcoming.