Being trained to respond to emergencies like stroke, cardiac arrest, choking or heart attack can mean the difference between life and death. Government Members’ recently underwent training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid with instructor John Mitchell from First Aid Instructional Services, and they want to remind Islanders about the importance of this training.
“These programs are designed to give you the confidence to recognize and respond to emergency situations, such as a cardiac arrest, with skills that enable you to save a life,” said Government House Leader, MLA Sonny Gallant. “Sudden cardiac arrest does not respect age, class or gender and it can occur anywhere at any time. This is why it is absolutely vital that every citizen is both competent and confident in CPR.”
CPR and first aid classes are programs intended to train individuals to correctly respond to emergency situations with the needed skills that will ultimately save lives.
“The instructor will teach you what you need to know in the event of a life-threatening emergency – if a person is choking or not moving or breathing because of a fall or a near drowning, for example,” said MLA Paula Biggar. “These are skills every Islander should know for the safety of themselves and their family.”
The goal of CPR and first aid training is to educate people, not only about the skills required for saving a life, but also prevention and safety that would greatly reduce the risks of numerous preventable accidents.
CPR and first aid training courses are offered by various organizations in Prince Edward Island, including Canadian Red Cross and St. John Ambulance.