VB gets hands-on CPR kits for training

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia Beach is one of five cities nationwide to receive grant to train 1,000 residents on using a hands-only CPR device.

"The hope is for every kit we give to someone who doesn't normally have training, they can go out and teach other people to learn how to do hands-on CPR," Capt. Raj Islam with the Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services said.

The kits come with instructions, a DVD, and an inflatable mannequin named Ann. The goal is to have 5,000 people trained in how to provide this lifesaving procedure for someone suffering from cardiac arrest.

"We want to get the word out to as many people as we can to start CPR early and keep it going, so when we get on the scene, it's just another link in that chain of survival," Islam said.

The program kick off is 10:30 a. m. Saturday,  March 16 during the Shamrock Marathon Health Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in room 2A.