Canandaigua Emergency Squad offers lifesaving courses
Each year, we mark National CPR and AED Awareness week from June 1st to 7th. The week spotlights how lives can be saved if more Americans know cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use an automated external defibrillator. It also serves as a reminder for us to tell people all about the lifesaving skills courses we offer at Canandaigua Emergency Squad.

Why is learning CPR important? Because each year, more than 350,000 EMS-assessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States, and according to the American Red Cross, more than 1,600 people a day experience cardiac arrest. Knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

With 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest happening at home, when you are called to administer life-saving CPR it will likely be for someone you love, so it’s important to know the signs and how to react. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. Signs of cardiac arrest include the person being unresponsive, even if you shake or shout at them, or the person is not breathing or only gasping. If you see someone collapse without warning, know your “Cardiac Arrest 1-2-3.

1) Call 9112) Start CPR3) Use an AED

At Canandaigua Emergency Squad, we are committed to training and educating as many community members as possible to be equipped with lifesaving skills in the event of emergency. The squad provides CPR and AED training for the community in small and large groups and one-on-one.

I encourage you to register yourself or attend a course with a friend or family member to get trained or recertified. Emergencies are inevitable; preparation is essential.