Henrietta, NY, July 23, 2009 — CHS Healthcare (HVA) today announced a program by which residents of the town of Henrietta can receive free CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automatic external defibrillator) training. The program, in conjunction with the American Heart Association, allows residents to sign-up for a four-hour class entitled “Heartsaver AED” which covers important and life-saving aspects of how to perform CPR and use an AED in the event someone goes into cardiac arrest. “The program is tailored toward everyday citizens who want to make a difference by saving someone’s life,” said Assistant Chief of Training Steve LaDue. “Many people have avoided learning CPR because they don’t want to perform mouth-to-mouth breathing on someone they don’t know. The reality is that simply doing chest compressions on someone can often result in a much greater survivability rate for those in cardiac arrest.” Therefore, mouth-to-mouth has been omitted from the Community CPR program.

Classes are offered at a variety of dates and times and are held at CHS Healthcare’s newly renovated Training Center at 280 Calkins Road, near the intersection of Middle Road. There is no charge for Henrietta residents to take the class. Non-residents may also sign-up for a nominal fee of $35. Everyone who completes the class will receive a textbook from the American Heart Association as well as a certification card, which is valid for three years.

“Knowing what to do in an emergency can truly make a difference in saving someone’s life,” said Chief Reg Allen. Today in this community, the chance of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest is a dismal 7% to 10%. This is not the case in other communities around the country. “Research and first hand experiences clearly show the sooner someone receives CPR and defibrillation from an AED after going into cardiac arrest, the more likely they are to survive. As an emergency medical service, we look to the community to help us by becoming trained in CPR and learning how to use an AED. A simple four hour class can do so much when seconds truly count. Show someone you love them, learn CPR / AED.”

In addition, Henrietta businesses interested in obtaining an on-site AED should contact CHS Healthcare. HVA will train 20 employees free of charge for any business that purchases an AED. Businesses that currently have an AED are also entitled to reduced cost CPR/AED training.

Those interested in any of CHS Healthcare’s classes or programs can get more information by calling the Training Department at (585) 334-4190 or by visiting www.chsmobilehealth.org.