Experts highlight importance of CPR training

By Harry Loomis

CPR training is important any time of the year, but especially when cold weather can lead to strenuous outdoor activities that could cause heart issues.

“It can be done over a lunch hour,” said JoAnn Woody, executive director of Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri. “We teach you the reason behind CPR, what it does, and then the basic technique and then get to practice it using, you know, a metronome and everything so that they get the number of beats correct.”

Research on CPR training is ever-changing. New discoveries are constantly being made to better increase the chances of survival.

It’s because of this that there is never a bad time to brush up on your skills, as CPR certifications from the Red Cross last two years.

“They are constantly monitoring and working with the American Heart Association, working with a lot of different professional physician groups just so that we are on the on the front line of what training should look like and making any kind of adjustments that we need to in our training,” Woody said. “There are new strategies that need to be implemented. So it’s an ever changing field.”

With proper training, a person can be saved anywhere until paramedics arrive.

“Anyone can step up if they have the training,” Woody said. “The more we talk about when that kind of intervention has been successful, the more attention that brings to those types of events.”

Those interested can sign up for CPR training on the Red Cross’ website. There are also services that can bring the training to schools, businesses and community groups.