Would you know what to do if a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor became unresponsive? While more than 380,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest each year, only 7-9% survive. Less than 1 in 3 of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive any sort of CPR. CPR doubles or triples the chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest in adults and children. Timely and proper use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can improve survival nearly 7-fold to approximately 70%. According to the American Heart Association, most untrained bystanders hesitate to help a cardiac arrest victim. However, when bystanders are trained in CPR/AED, they are much more likely to take action and save a life.
The officers of the Winchester Auxiliary Police Department will be offering discounted CPR/AED instruction to anyone who lives or works in the Town of Winchester on Saturday March 31, 2012. The event, which was partially funded through a generous community service grant from the EnKa Society, will be held at the
Jenks Center 109 Skillings Road and will be offered twice during the day. The morning session will run from 8am-12 noon and the afternoon session will begin at 1pm and run until 5pm. The officers’ goal is to train as many people in CPR/AED as possible.
This American Heart Association Heart Saver CPR/AED program will allow hands-on instruction and practice in the latest CPR techniques as well as the proper use of an AED. The course is designed for both beginners and previously certified individuals. There will be some minor physical activity required to complete the course including kneeling on the floor to practice skills on a manikin.
The Winchester Auxiliary Police Department consists of volunteer officers who donate thousands of hours a year to the Town of Winchester. They work under the direction of Winchester Police Chief Kenneth Albertelli. Auxiliary officers serve as the “eyes and ears” of the Winchester Police Department assisting full-time officers with traffic control, patrol, special events such as parades and fairs and with any natural or man-made disasters. The Auxiliary Department is supervised by Chief Dominic Orgettas who has served with the Auxiliary for 48 years. “Our officers felt that they wanted to try to give even more back to this wonderful community and felt that this was a great way to do it” said Orgettas. Seven of the officers trained as CPR/AED instructors and will instruct the participants on March 31. The remaining officers will participate in support positions such as IT, registration and set-up and take down for the courses. “By making more people aware of sudden cardiac death and providing training in CPR and AED, your Auxiliary police officers hope to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for all who live in, work in or visit Winchester” says Orgettas.
Orgettas notes that it is no coincidence that he and his officers have chosen this time of year to run the course: “Since floating the idea of doing this, we have heard from new parents, babysitters and grandparents who want to be prepared in case the unthinkable occurs. Warm weather is fast approaching which means pools will be opening. Lifeguards and pool owners will want to have current training. Children’s outdoor sports will also be starting up.” In fact, on February 22, 2012, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation (S2109) that would require all coaches to have certification in CPR/AED. The bill has moved on to the House for consideration. ”We think that training in CPR/AED is good citizenship and we hope to make this an annual event” quipped Orgettas. The Jenks center is donating the use of its facilities in honor of Erika Keane, the Winchester High School student who raised funds last year to provide AEDs to the Jenks Center and other venues throughout Winchester. The center serves primarily senior citizens in the area. The discounted cost of the March 31 session will be $20 per person which will include an American Heart Association required instruction booklet and a 2 year certification card as well as the donated instruction and supplies. To register for one of the two sessions or for questions, please visit http://cpr.winchesterauxpolice.org/. You must include your name, address, e-mail address and a contact phone number with your registration. For those without internet access, call (781) 369-5515 to leave your registration information.
