This fall, the American Heart Association announced new standards in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for everyone from healthcare professionals to the lay public. Called the 2010 ECC (Emergency Cardiovascular Care) Guidelines, these place a strong emphasis on calling 911 early to activate the Emergency Medical System, initiate early CPR, get an automatic external defibrillator to the patient and have the patient receive advanced life support. And now there is an even greater emphasis on initiating uninterrupted chest compressions called “CAB” — Circulation-Airway-Breathing. You can find out more online at heart.org, “CPR and ECC”, or YouTube: 2010 Guidelines for CPR.

Come learn CPR and these new standards plus first aid on Monday, March 21 and Wednesday, March 23 at the Mansion House on Main street in Vineyard Haven. You attend both sessions.

These classes are appropriate for those with a duty to act such as child care providers, home health aids, camp counselors and captain’s license candidates and for the lay public in general. The new standards will be taught. The cost is $50 per student for both nights and includes your card and book. These classes will be offered again in April and May.

To register, contact Jeff Pratt, Massachusetts EMT-Paramedic, AHA CPR and advanced life support instructor, by calling 508-560-3164 or e-mail jpratt@capecod.net.