Ocala Fire Rescue is inviting residents to take a complimentary CPR class on Saturday, March 9. The non-certificate class will be taught at the agency’s administration building, located at 3001 NE 21st St., from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Heart disease is one of the deadliest diseases in the nation, among both men and women. Although maintaining a healthy lifestyle – complete with balanced nutrition and physical activity – can help decrease the odds of heart failure, learning CPR can increase your chances of saving the life someone you love, fire department officials said.
According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR performed when the heart stops beating can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Statistics also show that about 46 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims get the immediate help needed before professional help arrives.
Ocala Fire Rescue encourages individuals and families to work toward a healthier and well-prepared community by employing preventative measures toward heart disease, including learning CPR. Participants attending the class can expert to learn:
- Hands-only CPR;
- How to correctly operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED); and
- How to assist choking victims.
The class is free and open to the public. Ages 6 and up are encouraged to attend. Registration is not required. For additional information, please visit Bit.ly/OcalaCPR or call (352) 629-8306.