SEATTLE, June 3, 2008 – Learning CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can quite possibly mean the difference between life and death for someone suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) or other medical emergencies. Each year up to 450,000 people across the United States die from SCA. During the first National CPR/AED Awareness Week, this June 1-7, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to learn the important skills that could someday save a life.

“The Red Cross wants the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life. At least one person in every household and on every office floor should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED,” says Dotty Klyce, director of health and safety for the Red Cross. “On average, it takes emergency personnel 10 minutes to arrive on scene. For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing, that may be too late. By learning simple rescue skills, you can go from being a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control help someone during an emergency.”

In King County, there are 2,018 AEDS placed at public locations and private residences that are registered with Public Health - Seattle & King County.* 

“If you learn how to use an AED ahead of time you have a very good chance of saving a life,” Klyce adds.

Help the Red Cross accomplish its local goal of training one person in every household in life-saving CPR.  

Find out how you can have the power to save a life, contact the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties at (206) 323-2345 or visit www.seattleredcross.org for more information on AEDs and the variety of health and safety courses offered throughout the year.

As part of our mission to prepare for and respond to emergencies, the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties trains 60,000 local people each year in life-saving skills such as First Aid, CPR and AED use. For more information, visit our website at www.seattleredcross.org  or call (206) 323-2345.

*Courtesy of Public Health - Seattle & King County

###

Contact: Stephanie Schoo, stephanie.schoo@seattleredcross.org or (206) 726-3545.