Why is learning CPR important?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims of accidents and cardiac arrests who are not breathing and whose heart has stopped beating.   Continuing the blood flow to the heart and brain is essential to “buy time” until normal heart function is restored.

• 80% of heart attacks occur at home

• Anyone can learn CPR 

• Many CPR courses last no longer than a few hours.

• CPR is a lifesaving skill—parents, babysitters, teachers, coaches and other professionals should learn CPR

• Classes that teach CPR, First Aid and AED (automated external defibrillator) are often taught together

To help build a better Boston through preparation and practice, Boston EMS teaches CPR to public high school students. In 2008, more than 4,300 students learned CPR through our CPR Anytime program. The department’s goal for 2009 is to teach an additional 5,000 teens.

Find classes near you:

Boston EMS holds classes for community groups and businesses. For more information and to schedule a course, call at 617 343 1344.

American Heart Association
1 877 242 4277
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4479

American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay  
139 Main Street     
Cambridge, MA 02142    
Phone: 617-274-5200     
www.bostonredcross.org/

YMCA of Greater Boston
Multiple locations
Phone: 617 536 7800
www.ymcaboston.org/