The Park Forest Fire Department offers a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class on the third Saturday of every month, inviting residents to acquire this essential life-saving skill that can make a critical difference in emergencies.
On May 17 at 9 a.m., the fire department will host a Basic Life Support (BLS) course at the firehouse located at 156 Indianwood Blvd. This course is designed to teach participants how to effectively perform CPR, properly use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and provide essential first aid to individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors.
Deputy Fire Chief Mark Cotrano said that while the course is specifically tailored for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and healthcare professionals such as physician assistants, doctors, dentists, and nurses—who require certification to demonstrate their proficiency in CPR—the knowledge gained is equally important for everyday citizens.
"Learning these skills can empower community members to respond effectively in emergency situations, potentially saving lives before professional help arrives," Cotrano said. "So, that's why we're promoting the class on social media and the Village's website, in hopes that residents would participate."
Cotrano explained that cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States. He stated that when someone experiences a cardiac arrest, their chances of survival depend on receiving CPR from a bystander immediately.
Unfortunately, almost 90 percent of individuals who suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests do not survive. Cotrano stated that performing CPR, particularly within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, can double or even triple a person's chances of survival.
Interested community members can pay $65 to attend the course. Registration is required and can be done by clicking here. It's worth noting, registration is limited If you're not able to make the class on May 17, they are offering the course again on Saturday, July 19.