The Louisiana Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer free CPR and first aid training on Saturday, March 19, as part of Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday. Red Cross chapters across the country will hold classes at more than 100 locations across the country to honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and all those involved in the Tucson tragedy.

Classes will be held at the chapter office, 4655 Sherwood Common Blvd., at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Training will last 45 minutes to one hour, and will include instruction in hands-only CPR, controlling external bleeding and managing shock. Training is free but reservations are required via http://www.batonrouge.redcross.org/save-a-life-saturday.

“The tragedy in Tucson is a reminder of how important it is for everyone to know first aid and CPR,” said Bobbi Zaunbrecher, CEO of the Louisiana Capital Area Chapter. “As this tragic event unfolded, several bystanders knew these vital skills, which helped save the lives of many victims, including Congresswoman Giffords. This inspired us to offer this training right here in our community.”

Although most emergencies are not as large as the one in Tucson, it is important for the public to be prepared for ones that can happen at home, the office or at school. In fact, a Red Cross survey given in 2010 found that one in four people (27 percent) have found themselves in a situation where someone needed CPR. Recent research also shows that if more people learned hands-only CPR, we could increase the likelihood of surviving cardiac emergencies that occur outside a hospital by putting more victims within a few steps of lifesaving assistance.

The Red Cross is able to provide this free training through the generous support of Walgreens and Safeway.

“Some of our health care professionals saw first-hand during the Tucson tragedy the value of knowing CPR,” said Greg Wasson, Walgreens President and CEO. “This is invaluable and important training that we’re proud to help provide in partnership with the American Red Cross and in honor of Rep. Giffords as she continues her recovery.  Every person trained is a potential life-saver.”

“We can think of no better way to honor Congresswoman Giffords and the other Tucson victims than to equip a greater number of citizens with life savings skills,” said Safeway Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Burd. “We are honored to be a partner in this important national endeavor and commend the Red Cross for leading it.”

Also on March 19, the Red Cross is premiering a special set of videos to teach CPR and first aid skills. Those unable to attend a Save-a-Life Saturday event can also visit www.redcross.org/savealife to see lifesaving skills being taught. The public can also contact their local Red Cross chapter to find out when full CPR and first aid classes are offered at other times.

Participants of Save-a-Life Saturday will receive a $20 off coupon for a future Red Cross class (one-time use). Free drawings will be held, too.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.