Polk citizens can get free CPR training March 12

Registration is now open for “CPR Saturday,” a special one-day event scheduled for Saturday, March 12 on which the Red Cross will offer free CPR training to Western North Carolina residents. Mission Hospitals is this year’s regional sponsor of the event.

Courses will be offered at 17 locations throughout WNC and the Red Cross anticipates training more than 600 individuals in life-saving skills on that day. Pre-registration is required.

In Polk County, the free class will be held at 231 Ward Street in Columbus. Adult CPR will be taught. Call 828-894-2700 to register.

In addition to traditional CPR, which involves both chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing techniques, this year the Red Cross will teach “Citizens CPR” (compression only) at some locations. Recent studies have reported that in many cases compression only CPR can be as effective as traditional CPR in saving a life.

“CPR Saturday is a valuable service to the community,” said Patrick Fitzsimmons, Red Cross regional CEO. “On this one day each year, WNC residents can become certified in CPR skills at no cost – a savings of $45 from the normal cost of the training. 2011 is the 100th anniversary of the Red Cross in WNC and we hope to make this our biggest CPR Saturday ever.”

Adult CPR classes will be held from 9 a.m. – noon and the citizens CPR classes will be held from 1 – 2 p.m. To register you can send an email to arcpolk@windstream.net or call 828-894-2700.