WASHINGTON PRESENTS CHECK FOR FREE CPR TRAINING

          HARRISBURG, January 22 – State Sen. LeAnna M. Washington (D-Phila. /Montgomery) jumpstarted the CPR/AED Public Awareness & Training Network’s free CPR training with the presentation of a $10,000 check.

          The presentation took place at the Networks “Emergency Medical Health Education for the Community” Program, Saturday at Finley Playground in Mt. Airy.

          “I am pleased to present these state funds to the CPR/AED Public Awareness and Training Network in an effort to start this valuable training,” Washington said.  “Training in CPR is a critical skill to have, especially with the number of individuals dying from heart attacks because there was no one around trained in CPR.”

          The program will provide CPR training and certification for approximately 30 faith-based organizations and 250 youths ages 16-20 in the Northwest, using recreation centers for training. Three elementary schools in Germantown also will receive a “Defibrillator Program” that includes a defibrillator, a storage cabinet, training, maintenance and support.     

          “Statistics show that Philadelphia's cardiac arrest survival rate is just below 5 percent.  We can prevent this tragedy,” Washington said.  “This program aims to do just that with this training and access to defibrillators.”

          The CPR/AED Network is a nonprofit organization of 911-trained, experienced paramedics striving to increase public awareness of CPR(cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) training and greater public access to AEDs(automatic external defibrillators).  They provide public awareness and training for community groups, churches, schools, businesses, local government and individuals.  The goal is to build a comprehensive, life-saving network throughout the city.