In 2013, 4,800 people in the United States died from choking, according to the National Safety Council. Many of these lives could have been saved if someone nearby knew life-saving rescue techniques such as CPR. For that reason, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in conjunction with Superior Life Support is offering free monthly Heartsaver CPR classes to Santa Clarita Valley residents. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a completion card/certificate* in CPR and AED (automated external defibrillators).

Approved by the American Heart Association, the Heartsaver CPR certification course is designed for anyone with limited or no medical training who wishes to receive in-depth education, and hands-on CPR/AED training. The instructor-led course is video-based combined with hands-on training. Students will have an opportunity to practice their skills and ask questions during the class.

“Our instructors will show students compressions, how to use the AED, rescue breathing, everything they need to know on how to handle choking and other emergency situations in adults, children and infants,” said Katie Dierberger, an instructor and training manager with Superior Life Support.

“Our goal is to empower students with life-saving skills. We want students to feel transformed from individuals to rescuers and have the knowledge and skills they need to feel prepared in an emergency situation. It’s our job to teach people to prepare to jump in and save a life, possibly the life of a loved one.”

The first class will be held Thursday, March 24, 6 to 9 p.m., in the Henry Mayo Education Center, 23803 McBean Parkway, EC Rooms 4 and 5. The class is free but space is limited and registration is required. Upcoming classes will be held April 28, May 19, June 23, July 28, August 25 and Sept. 15. For more information on additional classes, please visit henrymayo.com and click on community classes and events.

*Completion card/certificate is valid two years and, if applicable, can be used to meet job, regulatory or other requirements.

ABOUT HENRY MAYO

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is a 238- bed not-for-profit acute care hospital serving the Santa Clarita Valley since 1975. Henry Mayo is an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and a Heart Attack Receiving Center. The hospital features state-of-the-art inpatient facilities, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Catheterization Lab, Infusion Center, Breast Imaging Center and an Outpatient Surgery Center. Additional services include cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, intensive care, neonatal intensive care, maternity, surgery, nursing, wound care, spine and joint, behavioral health, and acute rehab, as well as cancer, imaging, lab, digestive, respiratory services and physical and occupational therapies. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is located at 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355-2083. For more information, visit www.henrymayo.com or call (661) 253-8000.