Free CPR Instruction Thursday

If you are interested in learning basic life-saving skills, the Newport Beach Fire Department will be hosting "Sidewalk CPR" tomorrow at various locations around the city.

Firefighters and lifeguards will be training the public as part of a countywide effort to teach community members basic, hands-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The 10-minute training session is free and officials say is essential because many people don't know what to do when a person goes into cardiac arrest.

"Effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival," Tammi McConnell, program manager from the Orange County Emergency Medical Services, said in a released statement. "Most bystanders are worried that they might do something wrong or make things worse."

Places and Times:

•  OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus, Corona del Mar from 9 to 11 a.m.

• Balboa Island Fire Station #4, 124 Marine Ave. from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Newport Pier, 70 Newport Pier from 1 to 3 p.m

No certification cards will be issued for the training.  The classes are designed to teach attendees how to save a life using hands-only CPR, which is different from the conventional mouth-to-mouth version.