During National Public Health Week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is proud to announce the launch of the department’s Community Readiness Champions Initiative, a series of in-person and online trainings (Hands-only CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator) awareness, STOP THE BLEED®, Mental Health First Aid, and Naloxone training) aimed at equipping county residents and workers with lifesaving skills that may be needed during an emergency or disaster where emergency services may be delayed.

Your LAFD responds to over 1500 emergency incidents and transports roughly 600 people to the hospital every day. Through this important training initiative, you can help us (First Responders) to save a life before we arrive, increasing the patient's chance of survival. 
 
Many are surprised to learn that every year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals with only 40% of people receiving immediate help before medical professionals arrive. Thousands of lives are lost every year to sudden cardiac arrest. However, many of these deaths could be prevented through timely intervention, particularly through CPR. 

The Importance of Hands-Only CPR

Hands-only CPR is a simple yet powerful technique that can double or even triple the chances of survival for someone in cardiac arrest. 

It involves two simple steps: Calling 911 and Pushing Hard And Fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. 

Efforts of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team is one of our many volunteer opportunities offered from your LAFD. Our CERT teams play a vital role in training the public in hands-only CPR. 

CERT members are volunteers who undergo extensive training to assist their communities (and your LAFD) in times of need. They often conduct hands-only CPR training sessions for free. 

Community Impact

By empowering more individuals with the skills to perform hands-only CPR, we are creating a community that is better prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. 

These efforts not only save lives but also strengthen the fabric of our communities by fostering a culture of preparedness and care for one another. 

How members of the community can receive training

The public can easily receive hands-only CPR training through local CERT programs, fire departments, youth programs, or community centers. 

Training sessions are typically short, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, and provide participants with the confidence and skills needed to respond effectively in an emergency. 

Hands-only CPR is a simple yet impactful skill that everyone can learn. Your LAFD has over 3,500 uniformed fire personnel that protect life and property, and by working together and ensuring more individuals are trained, we can save lives and build a safer, more resilient community. 

We urge everyone to take the initiative to learn hands-only CPR. You never know when you might be called upon to save a life, and your quick actions could make all the difference.