Dignity Health staff meet with community members at Farmers’ Market to inform them on hands-only CPR and AED use
In a proactive effort to boost community preparedness, staff members from Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, French Hospital Medical Center, and Marian Regional Medical Center engaged with locals at the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market on June 5th, during CPR and AED Awareness Week.
The goal: to equip community members with the knowledge and confidence to perform hands-only CPR and use an AED, potentially saving lives in critical moments.
The initiative addresses a crucial need. Every year, over 350,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death. Alarmingly, about 70% of these events occur at home, often with loved ones present. While waiting for paramedics, immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival. However, less than half of cardiac arrest victims receive the immediate help they desperately need.
"Imagine the power of knowing you could save the life of a family member, a friend, or even a stranger," says registered nurse Cherie McKinley, Clinical and Healthcare Simulation Educator at French Hospital. "Hands-only CPR is simple to learn, and it empowers ordinary people to become lifesavers. We want to make sure our community has the knowledge and confidence to act quickly in a cardiac emergency."
Hands-only CPR involves two simple steps: calling 911 and providing continuous chest compressions until professional help arrives. When combined with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), which delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm, the chances of survival increase dramatically.
“Hands-only CPR is very simple to learn,” McKinley added. “And by taking the time to learn CPR skills, you could be the difference between life and death for someone you love.”
Dignity Health registered nurses Roxanne Harmon and Stephanie Bowersock joined with McKinley to help dozens of local residents learn about hands-only CPR and how to use an AED. The team provided hands-on demonstrations and answered questions, ensuring participants felt comfortable and prepared to respond in an emergency.
This outreach is part of an ongoing commitment to community health. In May, team members from Marian Regional Medical Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, and French Hospital Medical Center recognized Stroke Awareness Month at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market by offering free stroke checks and providing information about stroke symptoms and preventive steps.
By providing accessible training and information, Dignity Health is empowering the community to become active participants in saving lives. These efforts demonstrate a dedication to not only providing exceptional medical care within the hospital walls but also extending that care and knowledge directly to the people they serve.
Click here to learn about health education classes offered by Dignity Health Central Coast.