Milwaukee, WI (Sept. 3, 2008) — Hoping to repeat last year’s success, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, FOX 6, the Milwaukee Brewers and the American Heart Association (AHA) are joining together again to encourage the public to learn CPR in just 22 minutes.

Set for Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, the free CPR training sessions are available to a maximum of 500 people and will take place inside Miller Park. The public can enter near TGI Friday’s restaurant in the northeast corner of the ball park to register. Parking is free.

“This training is crucial to give people the basic working knowledge to keep a loved one alive until an emergency medical services team arrives,” said Michael Cinquegrani, MD, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Cinquegrani specializes in interventional cardiology and practices at Froedtert Hospital. “Just 6 percent of people who experience cardiac arrest survive, but when CPR is administered immediately, the survival rate doubles.”

During the training, each family or individual will receive an inflatable training mannequin known as “Mini Anne” and will follow a 22-minute DVD. The short movie will walk viewers through each step of identifying the need for CPR, learning the technique and practicing CPR. Each family will also receive a practice DVD, accessories for the program and an AHA “Family & Friends CPR Anytime Personal Learning Program.” The kits are sponsored by the A.O. Smith Foundation.

Registration is encouraged to secure a time slot (call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666). The 22-minute training does not qualify participants for CPR certification. Children age 10 years and older may take part in the training.

Training sessions are scheduled in 45-minute increments, and each session can accommodate 100 participants. Wait times will depend on demand. Additional health-related booths and screenings will be available during the event, and the Milwaukee Brewers will offer stadium tours following each training session.

Author: Brian Dorrington

Date: Sept. 3, 2008