LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 31, 2015) – The Little Rock Fire Department is introducing an initiative to teach residents basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for use in emergency situations.

The “Put Me in Chief” program will hold a free CPR class from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Little Rock Fire Training Facility at 7000 Murray St. The class includes a demonstration on how to provide primary emergency response in the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Data provided by the American Heart Association show that roughly 70 percent of Americans feel helpless during a cardiac emergency because they either don’t know how to administer CPR or their training has lapsed. Additionally, some people are afraid they will hurt the individual in distress if they try to administer CPR.  

“When it comes to assisting someone in cardiac arrest, the clock matters,” says Fire Chief Gregory Summers. This initiative, he says, teaches civilians how to potentially save the life of an adult or child in an emergency situation when EMS personnel cannot respond in time. According to the American Heart Association, often the life that is saved is that of a family member or friend.

This class does not provide CPR certification. For registration information, contact Tabitha Cooke at 501-918-3704.

For additional information about this initiative, contact Capt. Jason Weaver, Capt. Hickmon, or Capt. Edwin Woolfe at 501-680-9900.