Community-wide CPR Coming Up in Winfield
Jan 17, 2024
In conjunction with American Heart Month, a second annual free community-wide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification event will be held February 8 through 10 at Baden Square in Winfield hosted by William Newton Hospital with support from Cowley College Allied Health, USD 465 nursing services, and Winfield Fire/EMS. Three sessions will be offered to the general public and one session for healthcare providers only: Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (healthcare), and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Due to last year’s success in certifying 68 professionals and community members between the ages of 16 to 80, organizers are also offering NARCAN® training during each session. William Newton Hospital’s Community Education & Professional Development Coordinator Melanie Burnett, MSN, RN, stresses the importance of any community member knowing both of these life-saving skills and where to obtain NARCAN®.
“Statistics tell us there is someone in your community right now who will need one, if not both, of these treatments. As of July 2023, the CDC reported over 700 deaths from drug overdose over 12 months in the state of Kansas alone. This reminds us why these skills are important for everyone – not just medical professionals – to know.”
Burnett is co-chair of William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s Beats Go On community wellness initiative aimed at providing wellness education and fostering collaborative partnerships throughout our service area. In her role at William Newton Hospital, she coordinates a monthly CPR class for healthcare providers and the public, which typically costs $30 for non-hospital employees. However, through this outreach effort, community partners are offering CPR certification at no cost.
Though required for many professions such as healthcare, daycare staff, lifeguards, corrections officers, some construction jobs, coaches, and many teachers, there are benefits to anyone learning how to use this life-saving technique. Most cardiac arrests occur outside of a medical setting and often happen at home. If someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, it is essential to start CPR within minutes. Emergency medical staff can be alerted quickly, but if CPR is not initiated soon, it could lead to brain injury or death.
One of the goals of this event is to make CPR more accessible.
“We are grateful for the collaboration and community participation,” William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s Executive Director Annika Morris says. “The Beats Go On started after COVID; our donors and volunteers identified the need to educate the public on emergency medical services and how to provide citizens with the tools they need before the emergency experts arrive. Working together, we can accomplish a healthier and happier community.”
Certifications will be held through the American Heart Association. Infant CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) are included in the training. Each session will be capped at 48 participants, ages 16 and up. For more information, contact Burnett at 620-222-6254.
Learn more about the Beats Go On
Posted in Beats Go On , Education , In The News on Jan 17, 2024