Save a Sweet Heart at ACAC

Valentine’s day is behind us for another year, but February Heart Month isn’t quite over. As Joe Schwar, a Membership Coordinator and CPR instructor at ACAC, reminds us, “Every 26 seconds someone suffers a coronary event, and every minute, someone dies from one. Everyone should learn CPR. You never know when a loved one might need your help.“

Mark your calendar for ACAC’s Save a Sweet Heart workshops at the Albemarle Square location, free and open to the public. Participants will learn to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and receive an overview of CPR/AED techniques. The classes won’t provide full certification in these techniques, but they’re a great opportunity for parents and couples to learn how to respond do a loved one’s emergency.

ACAC Fitness & Wellness Centers were early adopters of the AED, a device that detects abnormal heart rhythms. “If someone goes into cardiac arrest, AED use greatly improves the patient’s chances for survival,“ Schwar says. “If CPR is started right away and the rescue squad arrives within four to six minutes, survival rate is about 17 percent. With an AED, the chance for survival jumps to 70 percent.“ Members can appreciate ACAC’s excellent track record for emergency response, which includes the successful resuscitation of three individuals over the past eight years. Schwar attributes ACAC’s preparedness to company-wide CPR/AED training.

The Save a Sweet Heart CPR/AED classes are February 25 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. and again on February 28 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at ACAC Albemarle Square. Advance registration is required. To reserve your space in a class, call 434.978.3800.