Caregivers and family members are invited to take a free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training class through the Des Plaines Fire Department (DPFD) 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Fire Station No. 61, 405 S. River Road.
These classes, offered to Des Plaines residents, are separate from the monthly certification classes, which are not free, and are geared toward caregivers, friends and family. The "Friends & Family CPR" classes teach participants how to do the simple chest compressions that can save lives.
“CPR definitely saves lives -- we’ve seen it time and again in our community," Des Plaines Fire Chief Alan Wax said. "Our department encourages everyone to learn this skill, as one never knows when it might be needed.”
Interested community members of high school age or older are encouraged to register in advance. The $20 registration fee is refunded at the class.
If a person must perform CPR, the odds are that it will be on a friend or family member. In addition to the basic CPR training, participants will learn how to use an automated electronic defibrillator (AED), which shock the heart to try and restart it during a heart attack or stabilize the heart's rhythm. AED devices are now found in many public places.
To register for the free "Friends & Family CPR" class, call 847-391-5345 or go to the DPFD website: www.desplaines.org/CPRinfo.
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