Cardiac and respiratory emergencies can and do happen any time and any place, making it important for each of us to understand how to give basic help to victims. Chester River Hospital Center offers CPR and first aid classes throughout the year for lay people and professionals. Most classes are taught at the hospital but also can be taught in the work place or at a group’s meeting place. Two national organizations, the American Heart Association and the National Safety Council designed the offered courses.

Vicky Higgs, RN, the Hospital’s community health educator reminds us that," Each of us can make a difference in saving a life. You may be the only person available to give aid. Each of us must be trained to give aid until help arrives."

In the coming months the Hospital will offer several classes that teach how to be prepared to handle these emergencies.

A standard First Aid class is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Hospital’s first floor classroom. Students will learn how to give first aid care when an injury or sudden illness strikes. Successfully completing this National Safety Council course and passing the written exam will qualify participants for a three-year certificate. The course fee is $30 and includes the textbook.

An Adult Heartsaver CPR class will be taught on Tuesday, July 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. This is an American Heart Association course that discusses how the heart and circulatory system work. Topics covered may help prevent heart attacks by encouraging the practice of a sensible, prudent lifestyle. It also teaches how to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke, what to do if they occur and how to treat respiratory distress and choking. The course fee is $15 with a $5 optional textbook fee

All parents, grandparents and childcare workers should know what to do if a child is choking or has stopped breathing. A one-session Infant and Child CPR class will be taught on Thursday, July 1, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Class instruction is according to American Heart Association guidelines. The fee is $20 per person plus an optional CPR textbook.

Classes for health care providers will be offered in late summer, as will additional community classes. For additional information or to register for classes call the Hospital at (410) 778-3300, ext. 2320.

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