The 2019 National CPR and AED Awareness Week is June 1-7, but your Post can participate in CPR and AED training year round. 

National CPR and AED Awareness Week has been in place since 2007, when Congress designated the week to encourage all states, cities and towns to provide CPR and AED training to the public.

Unfortunately, one American dies of sudden cardiac arrest approximately every two minutes. While the average survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest is about 5 percent, utilizing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) increases the survival rate to more than 40 percent.

Through participation in National CPR and AED Awareness Week, your Post is helping increase the public awareness and knowledge of CPR and AEDs, and as a result, increasing chance of survival of sudden cardiac arrest.

How to Participate in CPR and AED Awareness 

The American Heart Association offers many free resources, including printable instructions, email templates and social media assets. Use these assets around your Post, and consider hosting an event to train your Post’s members in CPR and the use of an AED.

One of the most popular training organizations is the American Red Cross. Every year the Red Cross trains millions of people in CPR and how to use an AED. Enter your Post’s zip code to find a training opportunity near your area.

The Red Cross offers all types of classes, including online, blended (online content with in-class skills session) and instructor-led classroom trainings. With a Red Cross training and certification, your Post members will meet the needs of workplace responders, professional rescuers, school staff and healthcare providers as well as the general public.

Why Purchase an AED for Your Post

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is an electronic, portable device that analyzes and treats cardiac arrest by reestablishing a regular heart rhythm.

Once someone enters sudden cardiac arrest, the time to the first defibrillation shock is the most critical factor in determining survival rates. As every minute passes, survival rates decrease by 10%. With a window of 10 minutes to save the life of someone in cardiac arrest, an accessible AED can make all the difference. 

Your Post can purchase AEDs for very reasonable prices or apply to the AED Grant Program.

Help increase the awareness of CPR and AEDs by planning CPR and AED training events for your Post.