Hands-Only CPR, AED, and Choking First Aid

Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that claims about 350,000 American lives each year.

In most cases, this situation is due to a lethal condition of a rapidly quivering heart that is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body. Many studies have shown that when CPR is started immediately to a person who is showing no signs of life, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used within 3-5 minutes, it can correct this lethal heart condition. This can result in high long term survival rates for the community.

When someone collapses, just push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) recognizes this important medical situation and offers free, non-certification, informal Hands-Only Community CPR trainings throughout the year within the communities we serve. Unless your employer requires you to obtain training in CPR, certification cards are not required anymore. This class is designed for community members who either live or work within the communities served by the ACFD and want to learn CPR without requiring a certification card.

Cost: Free

Time Commitment: 1-1.5 Hours

Suggested clothing: comfortable

With the “Watch, then Practice” format, this informal training requires moderate physical activity. Comfortable clothing allows for students to participate in the most unrestricted manner.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact the Public Education Assistant at (510) 632-2473 or (925) 833-3473 ext. 1721. Additionally, you can email us via [email protected].

Library staff may take photos, videos, or audio recordings at our events. Please tell us if you do not wish to be photographed, video-recorded, or audio-recorded. We will always respect your requests!

An ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter or closed captioning can be provided for this program if requested at least 7 business days in advance. For assistance, please contact your library or [email protected].