Joplin Health Department offering multiple CPR classes this summer

The Joplin Health Department is offering a potentially life-saving opportunity this summer.

Administering CPR can potentially save thousands of lives a year, but it’s something most people don’t know how to administer. If you are one of those people, or maybe you’re looking to get further certified, the Joplin Health Department is offering a Friends and Family CPR Class, an AHA HeartCode BLS Skills Checkoff and an AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED course in rotation over the summer months of May, June and July.

“Healthcare workers will probably want to do the skills checkoff,” Medical Services Coordinator Misty Hammer said. “Some businesses require you to have a CPR certification, so (the Heartsaver course) is for people who need that. Then, the Friends and Family is pretty much the same information, just for lower skill level more or less.”

The AHA HeartCode BLS Skills Checkoff is offered June 4, June 25, July 16 and July 23.

The AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED class is offered June 4, July 2 and July 23. The Friends and Family CPR Class is offered June 25, July 9 and July 30.

“You never know when you’re going to run into an emergency,” Hammer said. “Somebody could collapse in front of you. Calling 911 is important, but those seconds administering CPR could save that person’s life. It’s a good thing for everyone in the community to know.”

For more information or to sign up for classes, visit joplinmo.org.