JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More than 100 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida headed to the Gallagher Club at EverBank Stadium Saturday morning for a CPR certification class hosted by the American Red Cross.
“Everybody should take this training," Victor Vevis, a training instructor, said.
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. Around 350,000 people every year nationwide will have an episode according to the CDC. Between 60 and 80 percent of people die before they reach the hospital.
“Every time you go somewhere no matter if you’re in you’re home, business outside, the people around you, you want them to be trained," said American Red Cross of North Florida CEO Christian Smith.
Leaders say knowing the technique, 30 chest compressions and two breaths, can double the chances of survival.
Instructors have given out lessons on the proper use of an AED.
“We would love to have at least two family members in ever household trained, and then at minimum, you want one of two employees in your level training," Smith said.
More than 100 members of the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida completed the training and will take these emergency skills back into the communities they serve.
“Hopefully I can teach somebody in the community and enable that person to save a life, or a loved one," Vevis said.
Upcoming CPR training and more instructional information can be found here.