St. Louis, Friday, February 8, 2008 - To aid employees of corporations, members of community groups and organizations, and individuals wanting to learn more about automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and preparedness plans, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter will host two free seminars. Participants can choose to attend the three-hour seminar on either February 20 or March 6. Both seminars will be located at the St. Louis Area Chapter Headquarters on 10195 Corporate Square in Creve Coeur with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m. and the seminar beginning at 8:30 a.m.

 

"While this seminar is ideal for safety and human resource professionals, anyone interested in learning about AEDs and preparedness should attend," said Maxine Hepper, executive officer of health and safety services. "The Red Cross understands that implementing a comprehensive, organization-wide safety, preparedness and business continuity program is an enormous task. This seminar is designed to give valuable information on how to create and implement safety and preparedness plans for any organization or business."

 

In addition to the use of AEDs, Red Cross instructors will cover preparedness information and the latest health and safety training programs. To reserve a seat, anyone interested in attending should register online at www.RedCrossSeminars.org or call Dave Gross, sales specialist, at 314.516.2741.

Each year, approximately 325,000 Americans die as a result of sudden cardiac arrest suffered outside the hospital setting – that's about 900 American deaths every single day. Time is critical in life threatening emergencies. Ideally, if a shock is needed, the shock should be delivered within three to four minutes. For every minute without defibrillation, the odds of survival drop 7 to 10 percent. Intervention with this lifesaving device can offer years of productivity and fulfillment to victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Survivors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest have an excellent prognosis: 83% survive at least one year and 57% survive five or more years.

 

Last year, the St. Louis Area Chapter trained over 82,000 people in CPR and First Aid, including more than 17,000 individuals in the use of AEDs. In addition to educating individuals about the proper way to use AEDs, the Red Cross actively works with individuals, businesses, municipalities and civic organizations to help them purchase and place AEDs in their facilities.

About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 91 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 446,600 times each year. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors 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. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.

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