MOBILE, Ala., February 1, 2011 — One quarter of Americans say they’ve been in a situation where someone needed CPR.  If you were one of them, would you know what to do?

A cardiac emergency can happen to anyone… anytime… anywhere.

The month of February is National Heart Month, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Red Cross is urging people to commit to protecting the hearts of those they love by learning Red Cross CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

In less time than you think, American Red Cross training can give you the vital knowledge and skills to respond to a life-threatening situation with confidence.  Individuals wishing to become certified to perform CPR can call the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter at (251) 544-6120 or go to our website www.redcrossalcoast.org to find a class that fits their schedule.

New to Red Cross CPR this year:
• New Two-Year Certification for CPR, AED, and First Aid classes (was one-year)
• Courses updated with the latest science
• Shorter course with more participant interaction

Also, your local Red Cross can facilitate your purchase of an AED so that you are prepared if someone were to have a sudden cardiac emergency in your home or place of business.  Training to use these devices is also available at the local chapter.

Last year*, the Alabama Gulf Coast Red Cross trained more than 6,275 people in CPR, first aid, and AED training.

“Our goal is to have one person in every household trained,” said Sandra Lanier, American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter Health & Safety Director.  Becoming trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED gives the average person the knowledge and skills essential to lessen the effect of injury or sudden illness and helps sustain life until professional responders arrive.

*Fiscal year 2010 (July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010)

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About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

About the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter:
Since 1917, the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter has been upholding the American Red Cross mission of providing relief to victims of disaster and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies in Mobile, Baldwin, Clarke, Monroe, and West Escambia Counties. The American Red Cross is a volunteer organization supported by the donations of the people in our community. People can help those affected by home fires and other emergencies by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter by calling (251) 544-6100 or mailing to P.O. Box 1764, Mobile, AL 36633. The American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter is a United Way Partner Agency. Verizon Wireless is the official wireless provider for the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter.