[Archived] City of Alexandria Recognizes National CPR and AED Awareness Week

For Immediate Release: May 31, 2019

The City encourages residents to learn how to save lives during National CPR and AED Awareness Week this June 1-7. In 2017, a man experiencing cardiac arrest at the Braddock Road Metro Station was saved by a bystander and station manager, who used cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) until first responders arrived. Would you know what to do if someone needed your help?

"For the past four years, more than 60 percent of the out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Alexandria have occurred at private residences,” said Acting Deputy Chief of EMS Brian Hricik. “Learning CPR and how to use an AED can make a huge difference in saving the life of someone you know."

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a technique that helps preserve blood flow to the brain and heart, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival if performed within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest. CPR should always be followed by advanced cardiac care and transportation to a medical facility.

The American Red Cross recommends that at least one person in every household and place of business receive training in CPR and proper use of an AED. This training can equip members of the community with the knowledge and confidence they need to respond during emergencies with the necessary skills required to help save lives.

The American Heart Association encourages individuals to learn Hands-Only CPR, which consists of two simple steps: First, make sure to dial 911; then proceed to push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest at 100-120 beats per minute. The City also encourages those with knowledge and training of first aid and hands-only CPR to assist someone in cardiac arrest until help arrives.

For information on CPR and local training courses, visit the American Red Cross website to find classes near or use the American Heart Association’s online Community CPR Tracker to find opportunities in your community.

Learn more about National CPR and AED Awareness Week on the American Heart Association website.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.