ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 9, 2025 — With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival[2].

That is why the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and education, and Rochester Regional Health are adding lifesavers to the chain of survival by providing Hands-Only CPR education resources through CPR in Schools™ Training Kits.

On Friday, the Association, along with sponsor Rochester Regional Health, presented two training kits to the Rochester City School District during a lunchtime health fair at Edison Career & Technology High School.

The CPR in Schools Training Kits enable students to learn the lifesaving skills of CPR in just one class period. Plus, the kits teach automated external defibrillator (AED) use and choking relief. The easy-to-use kits are designed specifically for the needs of schools. Each kit can train hundreds of people.

"Rochester Regional Health is proud to collaborate with the AHA to provide Hands-Only CPR kits to schools in Rochester,” said LeKeyah Wilson, MD, VP of Community Engagement and Social Impact for Rochester Regional Health. “Every minute counts in a cardiac emergency, and giving students the skills to save lives is just as essential as any lesson taught in the classroom. Empowering our schools with the tools and knowledge to respond makes our communities stronger—and we’re here for it.”

“Unfortunately, too many sudden cardiac arrest victims don’t get the help they need,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association in Rochester. “Knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency when seconds matter can be the difference between life and death. Thanks to support from Rochester Regional Health, we will be able to add hundreds of students to the Nation of Lifesavers, so they can respond in those crucial first moments after cardiac arrest.”

Quick, simple and easy-to-learn, Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work or in public[3].

For more information on Hands-Only CPR, visit cpr.heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association  

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.     

 

About Rochester Regional Health

Rochester Regional Health is an integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence County, and beyond. The system includes nine hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses and urgent care facilities; innovative senior services, facilities and independent housing; a wide range of behavioral health services; and Rochester Regional Health Laboratories and ACM Global Laboratories, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. Rochester Regional Health is the Rochester region's second-largest employer. Learn more at RochesterRegional.org.  

 

 

For Media Inquiries:

Kristy Smorol: 315.243.5705; Kristy.Smorol@heart.org  

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org