South Central Chapter leads efforts across Kentucky in Hands Only CPR

BOWLING GREEN, JUNE 5, 2024 — National CPR + AED Awareness Week takes place June 1 – 7. During this week, the American Red Cross encourages the public to enroll in CPR and AED training to help save a life when someone goes into cardiac arrest and minutes matter. 

Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the U.S.- taking the lives of more than 350,000 Americans each year. When a trained rescuer is unavailable, Hands Only CPR can be effective in caring for a person with no signs of life.

Sponsored by LG&E KU, Hands Only CPR is a non-certification initiative launched in late summer 2023 through the Red Cross Kentucky Region’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) committee. The training is aimed at teaching predominantly Black and Hispanic communities. It involves checking for consciousness, calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number, and providing chest compressions.

Through this initiative, statewide trainings were held to make lifesaving training more accessible to the communities we serve. Of the 1,000 people trained in Hands Only CPR, the Red Cross South Central Chapter, based in Bowling Green, KY, trained more than 700 people. 

• Over 40 events held throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana

• As of May 2024: Reached 1,056 people, 80% youth ages 10-18

• 12+ nationalities represented

Hands Only CPR is a natural introduction into full CPR training. We recommend your family and friends to learn and get certified! Go to redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to sign up to be trained and certified in full CPR, First Aid, Babysitter’s Training and much more.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.