For Immediate Release:
May 9, 2012

Southcoast Hospitals Group offers free CPR training for coaches

NEWBEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group's Professional Education Department is offering a free CPR training for coaches on Saturday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to noon at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street, in New Bedford.

Failure to act in a cardiac emergency can lead to unnecessary deaths and young athletes are often at risk. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save lives. Effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or even triple a victim's chance of survival, but only 32 percent of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from a bystander. As a result, less than 8 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital setting survive.

"In Massachusetts, our Legislature is considering a bill that will require all school-based athletic coaches to be certified in this lifesaving technique," said Kerry Mello, Community Benefits Manager for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Volunteer coaches of youth sports in local communities would also benefit. We encourage coaches to take advantage of this free training so that they can be better prepared to respond in a cardiac emergency. Being prepared can save lives."

The session will include both adult and child CPR training by Southcoast Hospitals Group certified nurses. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. To register, call 508-961-5560.