Back ****Please call 314.406.1920 to schedule an interview with St. Louis’ Joyce Bathke, a national health and safety expert for the American Red Cross.**** St. Louis, Wednesday, July 5, 2006 – Every five years, dozens of international organizations, including the American Red Cross, work with other experts in the field of first aid and emergency cardiovascular care to review relevant scientific research. The group determines if any new discoveries affect the way first aid, CPR and other emergency care is delivered. As a result of the most recent evaluation, new national Red Cross guidelines have been issued for CPR and first aid in an ongoing effort to improve the survival rate related to cardiac arrest and other sudden illnesses. In light of these new guidelines and in support of its mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter has launched new CPR and first aid curriculum, effective July, 2006. The revised training incorporates the new science related to first aid, CPR and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC). For example, course participants are now trained to increase the number of effective chest compressions for every two rescue breaths – up to 30 from 15. In addition, new course curriculum features a wealth of educational innovations to enhance the learning experience for students. “The American Red Cross is here to help people learn the skills necessary to save a life, and now is a perfect time for people to make a personal commitment to be ready to help others in a time of need,” said Joyce Bathke, director of health and safety for the St. Louis Area Chapter. “The American Red Cross is always focused on improving our training methods, while making it easier to learn CPR and other lifesaving skills. We encourage the public to sign up for a Red Cross class today.” In addition to the revised curriculum guidelines, other changes include updates to instructional methods and course materials. The new Red Cross “practice-while-you-watch” instructional method allows students to perform skills along with a video, while the classroom instructor provides students with more individual guidance. Participant training materials now feature large, color images that take students step-by-step through the skills they need to respond to a variety of emergency situations. This also serves as an excellent refresher and reference tool once the training is complete. New online training makes preparedness easier than ever before. Through this opportunity, participants have the option to study and complete all pre-testing from the comfort of home prior to demonstrating their skills to a certified Red Cross instructor. About American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Training: Training is essential in preparing for the unexpected, and the American Red Cross offers a variety of educational opportunities. Each year, the St. Louis Area Chapter trains more than 84,000 local residents in CPR and first aid, including more than 14,300 people in the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Time is critical in life-threatening emergencies. After calling 911 for help, minutes may pass before paramedics are able to respond. Administering CPR or first aid during the wait for advanced care can make the difference between life and death, or a person’s quality of life. Anyone can learn CPR or first aid, and the Red Cross is here to provide the top-notch training that is necessary to develop those skills. For More Information: To learn more about revised national guidelines, Red Cross training, or to register for a CPR or first aid course, please call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2740 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org. About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter: Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 407,000 times each year. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and 100 staff to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. # # #

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