Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) has been used many times by healthcare professionals and lay rescuers to help restore the heartbeat and breathing of a person who has experienced sudden cardiac arrest. Knowing CPR can mean the difference between life and death for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest can be caused by: heart attack, submersion/near-drowning, cardiac arrest associated with trauma, respiratory arrest, stroke and drug overdose.

In addition to performing CPR, the public now has the ability to learn how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). An AED is a device that delivers an electrical current “shock” to the heart to stop abnormal electrical activity; this allows the heart to resume its normal function/rhythm. AED’s are used by many fire departments, airports, doctors’ offices and medical facilities. Public access defibrillation (PAD) is now a healthcare initiative to make AED’s available in the community, so that trained laypersons can use them.

According to the American Heart Association:

1. Permanent brain death can occur within 6-10 minutes after sudden cardiac arrest.
2. Survival from cardiac arrest decreases by approximately 7-10% for each minute without defibrillation.
3. The cardiac arrest survival rate is only 2-5% if the victim is down for more than 12 minutes.

It can take anywhere from 6-10 minutes or longer for an ambulance to arrive after a 911 call has been placed. This is where YOU can make a difference.

The following is a list of classes that is offered through CPR for Bowie:

HEARTSAVER CPR: This course is designed to teach CPR and obstructed airway relief for adults, children and infants. It includes instruction in barrier devices and injury prevention for children and infants. This course is for anyone needing certification for his or her job (i.e.: daycare providers, security guards, construction workers, etc.). Course length is approximately 4-6 hours.

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER CPR: This course is designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals who deal with potential and actual cardiac and respiratory emergencies. This course includes instruction in adult, child and infant CPR, obstructed airway relief, two-rescuer CPR and barrier devices. Also included is instruction in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Certification is given after successfully passing a written and skills examination. Course length is approximately 6-8 hours.

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER CPR Renewal: This is the renewal course for healthcare providers currently certified in CPR. It reviews the concepts and skills of the healthcare provider (as described above). You MUST possess a current CPR card which MUST be shown before class starts - NO EXCEPTIONS. Course length is approximately 4 hours..

Certification is good for 2 years. Future course to be offered include: Heartsaver AED.

Upcoming Course Schedule:

HEARTSAVER CPR: None Scheduled.

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER CPR: None Scheduled

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER CPR RENEWAL: None Scheduled.

Location:

All classes are held at:
Bowie Volunteer Fire Department
Company 43 – Pointer Ridge
16408 Pointer Ridge Drive
Bowie, MD 20716
301-249-6525

Pointer Ridge Drive is located off of Route 301, between Route 197 and Central Avenue.

Cost:

There is a $25 donation fee for all CPR (and renewal) classes. Payment is either cash (exact change) or a company/business check made payable to: Bowie Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD). Payment is due the day/night of class.

Registration:

You MUST CALL 301-390-8255 to register for a class. Please leave you name, phone number and which class you will be attending. If you are registering for more than one person, you must include a name and phone number for each person. Please follow the same procedure if you need to cancel your registration. Registration for classes closes at 12:00 noon the day before class. Your phone call is your confirmation for the class, unless you hear from us otherwise.

** On-line registration will be available at a later date. Watch this site for instructions.**