Residents can save lives with new training program

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, no matter their age or fitness level. Approximately 35,000 cardiac arrests occur in Canada each year, and less than 10 per cent of victims survive. Strathcona County wants to change that.

Launching November 23 in Strathcona County, Heart & Stroke’s new CardiacCrash^TM program is an innovative, fun and gamified experience for residents to learn CPR and how to use AEDs.   

“Every person who knows CPR could save someone’s life, and this program is an easy way to learn how,” said Mayor Rod Frank. “Strathcona County is pleased to partner with the Heart & Stroke Foundation as a pilot community to create innovative, community-focused solutions that make our community healthier and safer.”

One-hour sessions will run throughout the day on November 23 where participants:

• experience training unlike any other CPR program
• join a team-building activity that will teach life skills that really matter
• learn how to perform hands-only CPR and the importance of an AED

“Our first responders usually aren’t the first people on scene of a cardiac arrest, and those first moments are critical for survival,” said Gordon George, Deputy Chief, Community Safety in Strathcona County. “Bystanders who know how and are willing to perform CPR can save a family member, friend or community member.”

“Bystanders taking quick action can make the difference between life and death. Every second counts. Phone 9-1-1, shout for an AED and start CPR immediately. Doing CPR – even if it’s not perfect – gives that person their best chance of survival. Heart & Stroke created CardiacCrash to introduce life-saving CPR and AED skills to greater numbers of people,” says David Knetchtel, Vice President, Business Development & Engagement Programs.

Residents can sign up for CardiacCrash^TM training on November 23 and learn more about cardiac arrest at strathcona.ca/CardiacCrash. Large groups can call 780-464-8468 to book a session.

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