MINEOLA, N.Y., May 26, 2009 - Considering that 300,000 Americans fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest each year, learning CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can quite possibly mean the difference between life and death. With National CPR/AED Awareness Week being observed June 1-7, the American Red Cross in Nassau County encourages everyone to learn these important skills that could someday save a life.

To help promote the week, the Nassau Red Cross is offering a 15 percent discount to anyone who registers, between June 1-5, for CPR courses being offered this summer. Class schedules can be viewed online; however, to take advantage of the discount, registration must be completed over the telephone or in person.

“When you think of it, everyone has the power to save a life. At least one person in every household, and on every office floor, should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED,” says Matt Crimmins, director of Health and Safety for the Nassau Red Cross. “It can take emergency personnel minutes to arrive on scene. For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing, that may be too late. By learning simple rescue skills, you can go from being a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control and help someone during an emergency.”

To learn more about the American Red Cross in Nassau County, visit the chapter online at www.nassauredcross.org or call (516) 747-3500.

# # #