Want to learn how to save a life? You can teach yourself by checking out one of the new hands-only CPR kits from the Vancouver Fire Department — no training fee or certification needed. This cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique doesn’t require any mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Each training kit contains an instructional video and two mannequins to practice on. Kits can be checked out for free by an individual or by groups, such as neighborhood associations, businesses, families and church groups.
“Studies show that survival rates go up if CPR is administered within the first five minutes of cardiac arrest. You really can’t hurt anyone doing CPR, so this technique was developed to allow people to learn a life skill without having to attend a class or be certified,” said Capt. Jay Getsfrid. “Some people are afraid that they will do something wrong, so they don’t do anything when someone goes into arrest. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
To check out a kit, contact Capt. Jay Getsfrid at 360-487-7220 or Jay.Getsfrid@cityofvancouver.us. For more information, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/PublicSafety.
