Over 3,700 people around Washington, D.C., have been trained in hands-only CPR, and the District hopes to train even more.
Nearly 1,700 people learned hands-only CPR during the NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo. The lesson was a part of the "Hands on Hearts" initiative.
Mayor Muriel Bowser launched the initiative last October with the goal of training 5,000 people in hands-only CPR and AED awareness by this September. Previous studies show that immediate hands-only CPR can increase the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims.
The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department is holding free classes from January through March. Participants will learn about proper hand placement and compression techniques.
The next class is Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. in Petworth's Engine 24. Eight more classes will be offered on the following dates:
- Thursday, Jan. 21, 6:30-7 p.m. at MPD 5th District Community Room
- Monday, Feb. 1, 6-6:30 p.m. at Engine 24
- Thursday, Feb. 4, 6:30-7 p.m. at MPD 5th District Community Room
- Monday, Feb. 15, 6-6:30 p.m. at Engine 24
- Thursday, Feb. 18, 6:30-7 p.m. at MPD 5th District Community Room
- Thursday, March 3, 6:30-7 p.m. at MPD 5th District Community Room
- Monday, March 7, 6-6:30 p.m. at Engine 24
- Thursday, March 17, 6:30-7 p.m. at MPD 5th District Community Room
- Monday, March 21, 6-6:30 p.m. at Engine 24
