Red Cross Offers Free Training on ‘Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday’

The American Red Cross Connecticut Region will offer free CPR and first aid training on Saturday, March 19, as part of Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday. Red Cross chapters acrossthe country will hold classes at more than 100 locations to honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and all those involved in theTucson tragedy.
Classes will be held at five Connecticut locations at 9:00 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. Training will last one hour, and willinclude instruction in hands-only CPR, controlling external bleeding and managing shock. The trainings will be held at RedCross offices in Bethel, Bridgeport, Farmington, New Haven and Waterford. A complete list of communities participating inthe event found on the event website at www.redcross.org/savealife.
“The tragedy in Tucson is a reminder of how important it is for everyone to know first aid and CPR,” said American RedCross Connecticut Region CEO Dianne Auger. “As this tragic event unfolded, several bystanders knew these vital skills,which helped save the lives of many victims, including Congresswoman Giffords. This inspired us to offer this training righthere in our community.”
Although most emergencies are not as large as the one in Tucson, it is important for the public to be prepared for onesthat can happen at home, the office or at school. In fact, a Red Cross survey given in 2010 found that one in four people(27 percent) have found themselves in a situation where someone needed CPR. Recent research also shows that if morepeople learned hands-only CPR, we could increase the likelihood of surviving cardiac emergencies that occur outside ahospital by putting more victims within a few steps of lifesaving assistance.
The Red Cross is able to provide this free training through the generous support of Walgreens and Safeway.
“Some of our health care professionals saw first-hand during the Tucson tragedy the value of knowing CPR,” said GregWasson, Walgreens President and CEO. “This is invaluable and important training that we’re proud to help provide inpartnership with the American Red Cross and in honor of Rep. Giffords as she continues her recovery. Every persontrained is a potential life-saver.”
“We can think of no better way to honor Congresswoman Giffords and the other Tucson victims than to equip a greaternumber of citizens with life savings skills,” said Safeway Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Burd. “We arehonored to be a partner in this important national endeavor and commend the Red Cross for leading it.”
Also on March 19, the Red Cross is premiering a special set of videos to teach CPR and first aid skills. Those unableto attend a Save-a-Life Saturday event can also visit www.redcross.org/savealife to see lifesaving skills being taught. Thepublic can also contact their local Red Cross chapter to find out when full CPR and first aid classes are offered at othertimes.