For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Andover Health Division Recommends Residents Receive CPR and AED Training

ANDOVER – The Andover Health Division is encouraging residents to get their CPR and AED certifications so they can help those in need in the event of an emergency.

Just last week, on Thursday, March 2, three MBTA electricians, as well as another passenger, helped to save a man who had stopped breathing and collapsed on a Green Line platform. The rescuers all credited their safety training for being able to save the man’s life. In fact, one of the MBTA workers had just completed his CPR training in the last few weeks.

Cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly stops beating, results in a lack of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that immediate CPR and early defibrillation with an AED can more than double a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

“Having the proper training to administer CPR or an AED device can be the difference between life and death for someone who is experiencing cardiac arrest,” said Thomas Carbone, Director of Public Health in Andover. “It is critical for as many people as possible to be trained to administer CPR and AEDs until first responders arrive. As every minute passes without CPR and defibrillation, a victim’s chance of survival drops.”

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 326,000 people in the U.S. suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, with many not surviving before they reach a hospital.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that at least one person in every household and place of business receive training in CPR and proper use of an AED. Training will give them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond to an emergency that can help save a life.

Andover Health reminds residents that they don’t need to be a medical professional to get certified. The Andover Recreation Department regularly offers CPR classes. Visit their website to learn more or sign up.

The American Red Cross and AHA also offer several training opportunities in person or online. Visit redcross.org or onlineaha.org for more information or to sign up.

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