Free one-hour, non-certified class available to anyone 12 and older

Anyone 12 or older can learn the life-saving skill of hands-only CPR through the next “Don’t Miss a Beat” training the morning of Wednesday, July 14. The free classes – starting at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. – will be held at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 W. Main St.

Participants will use manikins or special kits to learn in about an hour how to perform compression CPR. Trained and experienced CPR instructors teach the classes and volunteer their time for this program.

To register for the training, visit www.3RCPR.org or call 427-1164. Registration will also be available on site the day of the training.

“Last year, we honored a City employee who works at the Community Center for saving the life of a center visitor because she knew what to do in a cardiac emergency,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “By learning the life-saving skill of hands-only CPR, you too will be prepared. With this many people knowing this important technique, together we truly are stronger. Why not be another in our nearly 1,000 people who are ready to save a life because of ‘Don’t Miss a Beat.’”

This is the sixth time the City and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network have offered this non-certified training. Nearly 1,000 people have learned hands-only CPR through this program since it started in October 2008.

Anyone completing the training July 14 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for those paying for a CPR certification class through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.

The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross’s adult, child, infant CPR training class through December 31, 2010. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attends the July training.

Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.

For more information, call (260) 427-1164, visit 3rcpr.org or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .