Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) will provide free hands-only CPR training on Sidewalk CPR Day, Thursday, June 1, at the locations listed below from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., as one of over 70 sites across Los Angeles County. Last year, more than 10,000 people in Southern California learned how to save a life in just five minutes with a quick lesson from local firefighters and medical professionals.

“Citizen CPR is rapidly growing as a way to empower bystanders to save a life when someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest,” said LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas.  “We are glad to team up with the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency and the American Heart Association to bring Sidewalk CPR to our local community. With 80 percent of all cardiac arrests occurring at home, we need to help family and friends learn how to double or triple their loved one’s chance of survival.”

Learning hands-only CPR helps local emergency responders by focusing on the first few critical minutes following a cardiac arrest.  Since the lungs and blood contain only enough oxygen to keep vital organs healthy for that amount of time bystanders become heroes until emergency responders arrive on scene. With each chest compression using hands-only CPR, ordinary citizens can easily provide the ongoing blood flow needed to give the patient a much better chance of survival once responders arrive. 

Once trained, citizens are encouraged to download the PulsePoint app for iOS and Android phones to receive notifications that someone nearby is in need of CPR.  To learn more, visit the PulsePoint Foundation website at www.pulsepoint.org.

Only 32 percent of victims receive CPR from a bystander. Don’t be a bystander in a cardiac emergency – be a lifesaver! 

When:              Thursday, June 1

                        11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Locations:       Toland Way Elementary School

                       4545 Toland Way (with LA County Fire)

                       Northridge Fashion Plaza

                       9301 Tampa Av (co-located with Northridge Hospital Staff)

                        Hope For Firefighters Charity Event

                        333 S. Hope St.

                        Hollywood x Highland Mall (Central Courtyard)

                        Port of Los Angeles Offices