Basic first aid, CPR, AED class set

KOLOA — Every second counts when it comes to saving someone’s life.

“The sooner CPR begins, the better the chances of a person recovering. The sooner who you begin doing compressions, the better. Just knowing how to do that is so important,” said Cheryl Ann Farrell, an American Heart Association (AHA) instructor and owner of Hearts4Kauai.

Hearts4Kauai is offering a full training day for AHA heartsaver first aid, CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillators) training on Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Koloa Neighborhood Center. The training is open to anyone interested in learning how to save another person’s life.

“We steer the training to the needs of the people who come,” Farrell said. “Most people have the misperception that CPR certification is job-related, but it isn’t. We actually offer a CPR class to save your pet, which usually begins a bridge point for people so now that you know how to save a pet, you can save your aunt or neighbor.”

The first two hours of instruction will be first aid training and the second half will be CPR and AED training.

Farrell said that everyone should know the basics of first aid and CPR to help render aid to a neighbor or loved one. Most cardiac arrests happen at home, she said.

“Being certified gives you the confidence to step in and save somebody,” she said.

Valerie Saiki, coordinator for Kauai Medical Reserve Corps, said first aid and CPR training should be more common on the island.

“We do a lot of training, and CPR is a required training and that’s because as community members, we are the first responders,” Saiki said. “It’s important for everyone to be certified and trained because they’ll be the first responders out in the community.”

Training for the full day is $75. Discounts are available for nonprofit organizations.