The San Ramon Valley HeartSafe Committee strives to train residents in the Hands-Only CPR method through their "sidewalk" CPR booths at community events, presentations to civic groups, their CPR in the Schools Program and through CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) trainings. The group promotes the placement of public access AEDs (automated external defibrillators) in local businesses and community buildings. The HeartSafe Committee is dedicated to saving lives by empowering community members to lead heart healthy lives and to be able to recognize and respond to all cardiovascular emergencies. Since the committee achieved HeartSafe status in January of 2011 they have trained over 17,000 community members in Hands-Only CPR and the proper use of an AED. Additionally, during this time the Fire District has seen a sharp increase in the occurrence of bystander CPR. In 2010, bystander CPR was administered just 35 percent of the time and in 2012 that number had risen to 50 percent.

Hands Only CPR is easy

Hands can do amazing things - including saving a life. Learning CPR has never been easier. The Hands-Only method focuses on proper hand placement and compression rate. It teaches that it is not normal to see an adult suddenly collapse and become unresponsive. If someone does witness an adult collapsing they should call 9-1-1 and then immediately begin pushing hard and fast in the center of the person's chest, at a rate of 100 beats per minute, deploy an AED and continue care until help arrives. Pretty easy - right? The Hands-Only method is just that,"Hands-Only" - no more mouth to mouth; you don't have to kiss a stranger anymore to save their life!

Be a HeartSafe Volunteer

The HeartSafe Committee is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to teach Hands-Only CPR and the proper use of an AED. Individuals can volunteer as much or as little as they desire. Events take place weekdays, evenings and on weekends. If you would like to become a HeartSafe Volunteer, contact info@firedepartment.org.

The HeartSafe Community Program is made possible through the San Ramon Valley Citizen Corps Council.