Employees complete CPR and AED training. AEDs have proved to double the chances of a cardiac arrest victim’s survival when coupled with CPR.

This summer is the ideal time to become CPR certified.

Under the tutelage of Patrolman Jerry Conoboy, employees will become well-versed in CPR techniques and how to operate an automated external defibrillator.

Training includes performing these techniques on a mannequin to demonstrate competency, a written exam with a minimum passing score of 80 percent and an end-of-course scenario.

“This is a great opportunity and can make the difference when someone’s life is on the line,” said Mike Romano, director of police and risk management.

Why you should become certified in CPR and AED:

• A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest, which can lead to death. While cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, both can be life threatening and require immediate assistance often.
• Many victims often appear to be healthy or often have no history of heart issues or risk factors, and is more common than most people think. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time.
• Cardiac arrest happens when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid, which causes the heart to stop beating suddenly. In most cases, the only thing that can help is CPR or using an AED.

Who needs to be saved?

• Most often, the person who needs CPR is someone nearby, perhaps a loved one or co-worker.
• According to the National Heart Association, four out of five cardiac arrests happen at home.

Why you should care:

• If no one in a room knows how to do CPR properly or has AED training, a cardiac emergency can lead to death.

To sign up, call Mr. Romano at 708-496-4076.