Free CPR kits will help save lives

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The American Heart Association will be handing out free CPR kits at two locations in Fort Wayne.

Experts say 70 percent of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they do not know CPR or their training has significantly lapsed. 

Through the Go Red For Women movement, the American Heart Association is urging women and their families to take 60 seconds to learn Hands-Only CPR during CPR Week, June 1-7, and share it with five other women so they can learn how to save lives, too. The one-minute video is available by clicking here.

Hands-Only CPR, or CPR with just chest compressions, can be used on an unresponsive, unconscious adult. The two steps involve calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until professional help arrives. Without quick action, such as immediate CPR, a victim of cardiac arrest will likely die within four to six minutes.

“Not enough people act when they see someone suddenly collapse. This leads to unnecessary deaths,” said Dr. Bhaktavatsala R. Apuri, a board certified cardiologist in Fort Wane. “If you see an adult go into cardiac arrest, don’t be afraid. Call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Knowing Hands-Only CPR can increase the likelihood of you saving someone, and it may be someone you love.”

Free CPR Anytime kits will be available at Miller’s Merry Manor, 5544 E. State Blvd. on Tuesday, June 5 from 10am - noon and at the Hearths of Sycamore, 611 W. County Line Rd. South, on Wednesday, June 6 from 5:30pm - 7pm.  The public is invited to stop by either location and pick up a free kit.