by Larry Eder
2011 Boston, photo by PhotoRun.net
Nice program by BAA to offer CPR demonstrations. Will save Lives. If you get a chance, go to the demonstration. The more comfortable that you are with CPR, the easier it will be if you need to help someone you love.
B.A.A. to Offer CPR
Demonstrations to Boston Marathon Runners
BOSTON –
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), in partnership with the American Red
Cross (ARC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), will offer
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstration classes during Marathon
Weekend at the 35th Annual
John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo at the Seaport World Trade Center in South Boston.
All of the 2012 Boston
Marathon participants will be emailed a link to the video introduction of
“hands only” CPR. The video features three-time Super Bowl Champion,
Tedy Bruschi. To view the video, click
here
The CPR classes will
allow Boston Marathon runners, family members, and community spectators the
opportunity to familiarize themselves with simple and potentially life-saving
techniques should they witness a race-related cardiac arrest – a very
rare occurrence.
This public awareness
initiative follows a recent study led by the B.A.A. medical team which examined
cardiac arrests during marathons and found that bystander CPR, specifically CPR
performed by other runners or spectators, was the most important determinant of
life or death.
Although routine
exercise reduces the overall risk of cardiovascular disease, exercise can
increase the risk of cardiac arrest in individuals with underlying health
conditions. The demonstration sessions will equip runners and spectators with
the basic tools and understanding to perform rapid and effective CPR that could
save a life. Brief sessions will demonstrate the
basics of “hands only” CPR, a technique known and recommended for
resuscitation. The classes should result in a critical mass of runners and
spectators having the knowledge and tools necessary to assist in the event of
an emergency.
Leading the CPR
demonstration classes will be Dr. Aaron L. Baggish, Associate Director of the
Cardiovascular Performance Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Baggish was the principal author of a study which appeared in the January
2012 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The study examined 59
runners whose hearts stopped during marathon or half marathon races over the
past decade in the United States.
Among 31 cases with complete clinical data, the researchers found that all
eight who survived had received CPR from a bystander.
Along with Dr.
Baggish, members of the B.A.A.’s Medical Team, Chris Troyanos, ATC,
Pierre d’Hemecourt, MD, and Sophia Dyer, MD have
organized the CPR demonstration sessions. The sessions, which will last
approximately 30 minutes, will take place at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15. Boston Marathon runners
who wish to reserve a seat may do so by sending an email to CPR@baa.org.
The CPR demonstrations
are part of the B.A.A.’s ongoing commitment to runner safety. The B.A.A. has
enjoyed a longstanding partnership with
the American Red Cross to ensure that all the necessary precautions are taken
to keep runners safe on the course. For
the comfort and safety of all runners, the American Red Cross will provide up
to 325 medical volunteers and the B.A.A. will provide medical supplies, ice,
Poland Spring® water and Gatorade® for this year’s Boston
Marathon on April 16, 2012. The Boston Marathon is equipped with 28 medical
stations along the course, roving volunteers with portable defibrillators every
half mile, and two medical tents at the finish line.
ABOUT
THE BOSTON ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit
organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy
lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.’s Boston Marathon is
the world’s oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local
events and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running
programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been
John Hancock Financial Services. The Boston Marathon is part of the World
Marathon Majors along with the Virgin London Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon,
Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the ING New York City Marathon. Nearly
50,000 runners will participate in B.A.A. events in 2012.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross
shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters;
supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save
lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members
and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends
on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
ABOUT
THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from
heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and
No. 4 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative
research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving
tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based
association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization
dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get
involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit www.heart.org or
call any of our offices around the country.
