Last Chance: SARS Offers Public CPR Training

Second Alarmers Rescue Squad (SARS) holds a CPR training course every third Saturday of the month.

The next course will take place this coming Saturday, April 28, at the SARS main station, located in Willow Grove.

“SARS is an organization that does more than simply ‘transport’ a sick or injured person to the hospital. If we can do anything to help prevent an injury or help make people aware of a possible illness, we will,” Renee Bates, SARS executive director, said in an e-mail. “CPR courses are one way.”

CPR, which stands for “Cardiopulmonary resuscitation,” is first aid training in which chest compressions are conducted in order to restore blood circulation and breathing for someone who may be experiencing cardiac arrest.

“Brain tissue and heart muscles are very greedy when it comes to oxygen,” Bates explained. “With the help of by-standers at the scene of an incident, lives can be saved.”

According to Bates, the course is approximately 2 hours long, and typically starts at 9 a.m.

The course is provided in two parts:

• DVD/video presentation

• Practical stations

During the practical stations portion of the course, participants will practice CPR skills, using a training mannequin. Included in the training, the course also teaches a section on AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) use.

Participants completing the course will have their certification recognized by the American Heart Association. The certification is good for a two-year period before renewal is recommended.

The fee for the course is $65, with $45 for those renewing their certification.

According to Bates, the costs help pay for instructor, equipment and cleaning.

“It will also pay for the certification card we issue from the American Heart Association,” Bates said.

According to Bates, the course, which started through the help of State Senator Stewart Greenleaf (R-12), has become increasingly popular, and can accommodate 12 -15 people. She said that the course will likely be made available at the yet-to-be constructed SARS new Whitpain station.

Bates added that SARS instructors also have hosted courses at area businesses and clubs.

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People interested in the SARS CPR course are asked to pre-register by e-mailing training@main.sars.org.

There are no requirements to take the course, just interested participants.

For more information, visit www.sars.org.