Community-wide CPR
Coming Up in Winfield
In conjunction with American Heart Month, a second annual
free community-wide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification event
will be held February 8 through 10 at Baden Square in Winfield hosted by
William Newton Hospital with support from Cowley College Allied Health, USD 465
nursing services, and Winfield Fire/EMS. Three sessions will be offered to the
general public and one session for healthcare providers only: Thursday 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(healthcare), and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Due to last year’s success in certifying 68 professionals
and community members between the ages of 16 to 80, organizers are also
offering NARCAN® training during each session. William Newton Hospital’s
Community Education & Professional Development Coordinator Melanie Burnett,
MSN, RN, stresses the importance of any community member knowing both of these
life-saving skills and where to obtain NARCAN®, “Statistics tell us there is
someone in your community right now who will need one, if not both, of these treatments.
As of July 2023, the CDC reported over 700 deaths from drug overdose over 12
months in the state of Kansas alone. This reminds us why these skills are
important for everyone – not just medical professionals – to know.”
Burnett is co-chair of William Newton Healthcare
Foundation’s Beats Go On community wellness initiative aimed at providing
wellness education and fostering collaborative partnerships throughout our
service area. In her role at William Newton Hospital, she coordinates a monthly
CPR class for healthcare providers and the public, which typically costs $30
for non-hospital employees. However, through this outreach effort, community
partners are offering CPR certification at no cost.
Though required for many professions such as healthcare,
daycare staff, lifeguards, corrections officers, some construction jobs,
coaches, and many teachers, there are benefits to anyone learning how to use
this life-saving technique. Most cardiac arrests occur outside of a medical
setting and often happen at home. If someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest,
it is essential to start CPR within minutes. Emergency medical staff can be
alerted quickly, but if CPR is not initiated soon, it could lead to brain
injury or death.
One of the goals of this event is to make CPR more
accessible. “We are grateful for the collaboration and community
participation,” William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s Executive Director
Annika Morris says. “The Beats Go On started after COVID; our donors and
volunteers identified the need to educate the public on emergency medical
services and how to provide citizens with the tools they need before the
emergency experts arrive. Working together, we can accomplish a healthier and
happier community.”
Certifications will be held through the American Heart
Association. Infant CPR and AED (automated external
defibrillator) are included in the training. Each session will be capped at
48 participants, ages 16 and up. To reserve your seat, register online with
William Newton Hospital at www.wnhcares.org/community-cpr.
For more information, contact Burnett at 620-222-6254. To learn more about the
Beats Go On community wellness initiative and other upcoming events, visit www.wnhcares.org/foundation/2ndcentury/beats.
