Community-wide CPR Coming Up in Winfield

Jan 19, 2023

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In conjunction with American Heart Month, a free community-wide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification event will be hosted by William Newton Hospital, USD 465, and Winfield Fire/EMS on Friday, February 10 at Baden Square in Winfield. Two sessions will be offered, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Connecting the recent cardiac arrest suffered by the NFL’s Damar Hamlin, William Newton Hospital’s Community Education & Professional Development Coordinator Melanie Burnett, MSN, RN, stresses the importance of learning CPR:

“On January 8, an NFL trainer and first responders performed CPR on live television. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur at any time, any place, to anyone. This reminds us why CPR skills are so important for everyone – not just medical professionals – to know and be proficient at performing. The only way you can be assured that you CAN do something is to learn it, practice it and be ready should the situation arise.”

Burnett is co-chair of William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s Beats Go On community wellness initiative aimed at providing wellness education and fostering collaborative partnerships throughout our service area. In her role at William Newton Hospital, she teaches a monthly CPR class for healthcare providers and the public, which typically costs $30 for non-hospital employees. However, through this outreach effort, community partners will be offering CPR certification at no cost.

Though required for many professions such as healthcare, daycare staff, lifeguards, corrections officers, some construction jobs, coaches, and many teachers, there are benefits to anyone learning how to use this life-saving technique. Most cardiac arrests occur outside of a medical setting and often happen at home. If someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, it is essential to start CPR within minutes. Emergency medical staff can be alerted quickly, but if CPR is not initiated soon, it could lead to brain injury or death.

William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s Brittney Shaffer says one of the goals of this event is to make CPR more accessible to all.

“If you need it for your job, you can sign up for free and save money. If you just want to be a more prepared citizen or family member, we’re making it easy for you.”

Certifications will be held through the American Heart Association. Each session will be capped at 48 participants, ages 16 and up. William Newton Hospital, USD 465, and Winfield Fire/EMS are each supplying instructors and models to meet the larger capacity. To reserve your seat, register online now.

For more information, contact Burnett at 620-222-6254.

Learn more about the Beats Go On community wellness initiative and other upcoming events.