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How to find a CPR class to make sure you're prepared for the worst this summer

Summertime is a great time for family vacations, but emergencies can happen at any moment. One viewer told us they were having a hard time finding any CPR classes, so we decided to find some answers.

Summertime is a great time for family vacations, but emergencies can happen at any moment. One viewer told us they were having a hard time finding any CPR classes, so we decided to find some answers.

Recently, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) has been working to train police officers and school nurses with bleeding control kits to save lives during an emergency.

Now, there's a heightened interest for CPR training among citizens as well.

That's why MEMS is offering free CPR and Stop the Bleed training for two and a half hours once a month.

"We recognize that and that's the reason why we're aggressive in trying to put this CPR training in the hands of the public," said Jon Swanson.

Stop the Bleed training teaches people how to use a tourniquet or pack a wound until first responders arrive. But there has been a change to the traditional method of rescue breathing with 30 compressions and two breaths.

"We have moved to do compression only," Swanson explained. "The science tells us that's more effective especially in the initial response by the bystanders and so that is where we emphasize that now."

And if you're on the hunt for certified training, there's an eight-hour course available through the American Heart Association.

"We don't actually teach in this facility but we work with all of our medical partners in keeping people informed on where classes are being held for certification," Tammy Quick told us.

There are even classes available online, but if you want hands-on training, Quick said there are plenty of centers across the state to choose from.

Basic CPR training is free, but if you're looking to get certified you must pay a fee.

To get more information on CPR training, please contact the following:

MEMS - (501) 301-1400

American Heart Association - 1-877-242-4277

Baptist Health - 1-888-BAPTIST

Arkansas Children's Hospital - (501) 364-3292.

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