The whole community benefits with increased CPR/AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) training, but the classes are often difficult to access, especially for seniors This grant will fund upgraded equipment and allow for new weekly AED mini workshops at the Santa Cruz Community Farmer’s Markets.

Current CPR classes are not geared to the elderly as First Responders. Studies reinforce the inability of the elderly to compress the adult manikin chest deep enough to be effective, although they can maintain the correct speed for compressions.

On July 15th a trial AED/CPR workshop resulted in all senior participants learning about their roles as possible First Responders, and how to use the AED system. They learned how to place the AED pads on infant and adult manikins and press the AED shock button. Afterwards several felt they could save a life.