Children who attended this year’s "Old Spanish Days" fiesta received training in Hands-Only CPR. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — As fiesta crowds recently celebrated Santa Barbara’s rich culture and heritage, dance performances and food during “Old Spanish Days,” more than 800 took the time to stop by the Hands Helping Hearts booth to learn Hands-Only CPR. A total of 832 participants received the free training provided by local emergency response professionals and volunteers, through the “Hands Helping Hearts” campaign.
Santa Barbara County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have joined with the County of Santa Barbara EMS Agency, Santa Barbara City Fire Department and American Medical Response to provide this important health and safety training to the community. This pilot public health program is designed to increase the survival rate of cardiac victims.
Those who missed the free Hands-Only CPR training at Fiesta can attend upcoming trainings at: Downtown Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays through Aug. 21 (State Street at Cota Street). Free trainings are also regularly scheduled at Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center, La Cumbre Plaza and outside of Tri-County Produce. For complete schedule, visit HandsHelpingHearts.org
About Hands Helping Hearts:
Hands Helping Hearts is a public health and safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of cardiac arrest-related deaths in the region by ensuring that local businesses, nonprofits and the community at large are prepared in the event of such an emergency. The partnership provides public trainings and encourages local businesses throughout the greater Santa Barbara area to participate by committing to have 80% of their staff trained at public events, or by scheduling a free training on-site at their business or nonprofit.
Why “Hands Only” CPR?
“Hands Only” CPR, chest compressions without the mouth-to-mouth breathing, has been proven to be as effective as standard CPR. The earlier CPR is started, the better the outcome for the victim. Despite this fact, an average of only 32% of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from a bystander. CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can nearly triple a victim’s chance of survival. ‘Bystanders’ are more likely to do Hands Only CPR rather than standard CPR, which makes Hands Helping Hearts’ health campaign beneficial to the general public.
The Medtronic Foundation is funding outreach and training materials for the pilot program. Outreach and training are being coordinated through the Santa Barbara City Fire Dept. and American Medical Response Santa BarbaraCounty. Those trained will not receive an official CPR certification; however, they will be prepared to administer “Hands Only” CPR after the brief training session.
For more information, training event schedules or to schedule an on-site training at your business or nonprofit, go to www.HandsHelpingHearts.org or call 805-681-4373.