Sudden cardiac arrest strikes about 250,000 adult Americans every year, and 75-80% of those happen at home.

That’s why Hays Med and the Michael E. DeBakey Heart Institute continue to offer free CPR–Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation–training classes to the public.  About 130 people participated in Saturday’s 13th annual program.

“If more people know how to perform CPR, the probability increases for cardiac arrest victims receiving CPR more quickly,” says Hays Med Education Coordinator Deb McClaren, “when it can still make a difference.”

Participants also received a take-home practice kit, blowup mannequin included, courtesy of the Hays Medical Center Foundation.

“Saving lives is a really important thing, ” says Hays 9th grader Grant Coffey.  His friend, James Julin, another Hays 9th grader agrees.  “I even think it should be a required course in school,” declares Julin.

Chloe Fitzhugh is in 5th grade and already knows how to perform CPR.

“My dad is an EMT, and helps teach the classes,” she says.  “Dad always says you never know when you’re going to be in a position to use CPR.”  Fitzhugh, 11, also says she plans to be an EMT.

CPR chest compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs until defibrillation by an electronic device  gives an electric shock to the heart to restore its natural rhythm.