CHURUBUSCO, Ind. (Dec. 1, 2009) — Whitley County Emergency Medical Services, operated out of Parkview Whitley Hospital, will host a Free Family and Friends CPR class on Tuesday, Dec. 8, in Churubusco at the Mountaintop Coffeehouse, 209 S. Main Street, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Since February 2007, Whitley County Emergency Medical Services has provided free CPR classes, training more than 2,000 people in the county. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency medical procedure for a victim of cardiac arrest or, in some circumstances, respiratory arrest.

For 50 years, CPR has consisted of the combination of artificial blood circulation with artificial respiration, that is, chest compressions and lung ventilation. However, in March 2008, the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council, in a reversal of policy, endorsed the effectiveness of chest compressions alone – without artificial respiration – for adult victims who suddenly collapse in cardiac arrest. Parkview Whitley Hospital teaches both procedures, but emphasizes that chest compression alone is adequate.

“Along with the resuscitation change, it is recommended that anyone who has been trained in CPR re-take the instruction every two years,” said Debra Brice, paramedic and CPR program coordinator. “It is an opportunity to get refreshed on the techniques required to perform CPR, as well as to learn of any new changes in policy and procedure.”

Classes also may be held at churches, businesses, organizations and civic groups in Whitley County. To register for any of the classes or for more information, call (260) 248-9351 or send an e-mail to learn.cpr@parkview.com. Funding for the CPR classes is provided by the Parkview Whitley Hospital Community Health Improvement Program.