Wheaton commuters get quick CPR lessons
Riders at the Wheaton Metra station got a quick education on the correct way to administer CPR Thursday morning before boarding their trains.
Representatives from the American Heart Association were demonstrating the new hands-only CPR method and giving short tutorials on how to use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, during the morning rush.
"Knowing what to do in an emergency situation can mean the difference between life and death. We are proud to partner with Northwestern Medicine and the American Heart Association to bring these lifesaving tips to our customers," Metra Executive Director and CEO Don Orseno said in a statement.
The demonstration was held in recognition of National CPR and AED Awareness week, which runs through June 7.
According to the American Heart Association, a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival can double or triple if CPR is performed immediately. However, about 70 percent of Americans feel helpless during a cardiac emergency because they don't know how to administer CPR, or they are afraid they will hurt the victim.
The hope for Thursday's demonstration is that through education, those statistics will be improved. Demonstrations were also held at all Chicago Metra stations and in Arlington Heights and Tinley Park.
For more information about hands-only CPR, visit www.heart.org/handsonlycpr.