By Scott Roblin

Proper training stressed during World CPR Challenge

May 23, 2017 | 5:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – In a medical emergency seconds matter, especially in cases of heart attacks and someone choking.

An international push this week, as the World CPR Challenge is gaining some traction.

The initiative involves individuals, businesses, bystanders, and organizations stepping up and receiving training regarding CPR in worst-case scenarios.

One of the local champions of CPR training is St. John Ambulance, as they hold weekly CPR and first aid sessions at the downtown location.

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Program and Community Service Coordinator Georgina Greenstein said CPR should be one of the initial steps taken

“The first approach to them is to find out if they’re breathing, what is going on with them,” she said. “And, to get down and do CPR immediately.”

The program involves classroom testing and hands on training, including chest compressions, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and other key CPR steps.

According to Greenstein, the first few minutes into a heart attack are critical to determining life or death.

“They are very vital, very, very vital because it’s the first four minutes that really are the most important of that,” she said. “And also with the CPR, then there are also the AED defibrillators that they use and attach, and get those ready for them as well.”

St. John’s CPR programs are among their most attended, and include one and two day training options.

Greenstein said emergencies can happen anwhere, and they want their students to be prepared.

“We want people to walk out of here feeling that they can do it,” said Greenstein. “If there’s any problems during the course that they find that they’re having a struggle with, then it’s their responsibility to get to the instructor. And, the instructors are so helpful in staying and helping them, and assisting them in seeing that they’ve got the ability to go out and feel comfortable.”

Health Canada statistics show nine in 10 Canadians shows at least one risk sign of heart disease, and 40% of Canadians show at least three risk factors.