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NEW HAMPSHIRE (MyKeeneNow) As National EMS Week approaches, New Hampshire officials are promoting a statewide effort to teach residents how to perform hands-only CPR, a simplified emergency technique that can help save lives during cardiac arrest situations.
The initiative, known as the NH CPR Challenge, will run from May 17 through May 23 and is being coordinated by members of the state’s Executive Council with support from the New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services.
Organizers say the bipartisan campaign’s goal is to train at least 1,000 people across all five Executive Council districts. Free training sessions are expected to take place in communities throughout the state, and residents can register online through the campaign website.
Hands-only CPR eliminates rescue breaths and instead focuses on calling 911 and delivering rapid chest compressions until emergency responders arrive. The technique is recommended by the American Heart Association for bystanders who witness someone collapse outside of a hospital setting.
Executive Councilor John Stephen, who experienced a cardiac emergency last year, said knowing CPR can make a critical difference in survival outcomes.
State fire and EMS officials said immediate action from bystanders greatly improves survival chances for people suffering cardiac arrest. The Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services plans to hold six CPR training sessions for state employees as part of the campaign while also supporting local fire departments and community organizations with instructional materials and equipment.
Officials are additionally encouraging businesses and nonprofit organizations to verify that automated external defibrillators, commonly known as AEDs, are listed in the statewide registry so emergency dispatchers can direct callers to nearby devices during emergencies.
Community groups, churches, businesses and fire departments interested in hosting a free CPR training session may also participate through the statewide program.