Save A Life Saturdays

Each March is dedicated to celebrate the far-reaching contributions made by the American Red Cross. The organization has provided food, shelter, emotional support and first-aid to those in need for over 130 years. As a part of their all-important mission, the Red Cross also offers classes in disaster preparedness and critical skills in the face of emergencies.

Honor Red Cross Month and learn how to save a life!

The Red Cross has dubbed each Saturday in March, Save A Life Saturday. They offer weekend training classes all over the country in Hands-Only CPR and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) training; both critical life saving skills. In addition, Red Cross volunteers will be providing information on how to best plan for disasters, including how to put together a disaster kit, how to make an emergency plan with your family, and special disaster activities for kids.

How important is it to be prepared for disasters that can happen at home, the office or at school? A recent study conducted by the Red Cross found that approximately 1 in 4 people (27%) have found themselves in situations where someone needed CPR. Hands-Only CPR is a potentially lifesaving technique involving no mouth-to-mouth contact in cardiac emergencies. When performed within minutes of the emergency, this technique can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival!

How to Assist in a CPR Emergency
If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse:
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Begin CPR by pushing hard and fast at the center of the chest.
3. Keep the pace at a 100 to 120 beats per minute. Use the beat of the song Stayin’ Alive to keep pace.
4. Continue CPR measures until emergency personnel arrive.

If your March is jammed packed and you can’t make it to a class, the Red Cross also offers the “First Aid” app. It gives you instant access to information on the most common first aid emergencies.

For more information on class schedules in your area, disaster preparedness, critical emergency response, or how you can donate go to RedCross.org today!

Source: http://www.redcross.org/news/event/ca/sacramento/March-is-Red-Cross-Month-Activities