American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan Celebrates National CPR/AED Awar...( DETROIT June 4 -- Learning CPR a...),Health

DETROIT, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Learning CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between life and death for someone suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest or other medical emergency. During this first National CPR/AED Awareness Week, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross encourages everyone to learn these important skills that could someday save a life.

"We want the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life. At least one person in every household and in every office should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED use," says Jim Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter. "On average, it takes emergency personnel 10 minutes to arrive on scene. For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing, that may be too late. By learning simple rescue skills you can go from being a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control and help during an emergency."

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter offers several Health and Safety courses, including First Aid/CPR/AED Training throughout the tri-county area. In 2007, the chapter trained over 50,000 people in this life-saving skill.

In observance of National CPR/AED Awareness Week, the Red Cross will have an AED display table at Detroit Metro Airport on June 5 and 6 to show the public how to use an AED machine. The display table will be located near the water feature at the McNamara Terminal all day on both days. This event is free and is open to ticketed passengers and employees with access to the terminal.

"Sixty AED's have been installed at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and they have been used successfully to save lives," said airport authority CEO Lester Robinson. "We support the Red Cross in promoting public awareness in first aid, CPR and AED education."

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross is the primary source of crisis prevention, preparedn
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