JOHNS CREEK, GA- Chattahoochee High School students
learned a few steps toward saving someone's life last week. More than two dozen
students took part in CPR training and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)
use training with help from Johns Creek paramedics and fire department
personnel.
The training is part of Johns Creek's ongoing Heart
Ready program, which has several activities planned for the month of February,
designated as American Heart Month by the American Heart Association.
The program, jointly sponsored by the American Heart
Association and Emory Johns Creek Hospital, has trained more than 400 residents
and businesses in CPR and the use of AEDs since the program's start in July
2008.
Another part of the "Heart Ready" program
is the purchase and implementation of automated external defibrillators.
To date, the city has placed 48 AEDs in public spaces
(parks, City Hall, Municipal Court) and Johns Creek police vehicles.
Working with companies like CIBA VISION, which has
its world headquarters in Johns Creek, the city has encouraged businesses to
purchase AEDs for their workplaces and has provided free training to their
employees.
Besides the student training, the program has
expanded to blood drives at local schools, "Jump Rope for Heart" at
Abbotts Hill, Barnwell and Ocee elementary schools, as well as a "Super
CPR Saturday" class Feb. 27 at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the
community room of Johns Creek Fire Station No. 2, 10925 Rogers Circle.
Based on the American Heart Association's
"Family & Friends" program, the non-certification training is
provided free, upon request, to the Johns Creek community. Homeowner
associations, schools, youth sport coaches, businesses and service
organizations have participated.
For more information on "Super CPR Saturday," call
678-474-3221.