Congressman Ben Chandler Participates in ‘Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday’

[Lexington, KY, March 19, 2011] — The Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross welcomed over 110 individuals, including Central Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler, his son Albert, and members of Chandler’s staff to the Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday on March 19. Red Cross chapters across the country held classes at more than 100 locations to honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and all those involved in the Tucson tragedy.

"Although my children are certified in CPR, this is the first time I have taken a course like this," Chandler said. "First aid training saved my friend Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' life, and I hope Save-a-Life Saturday will save even more lives throughout the country."

Although most emergencies are not as large as the one in Tucson, it is important for the public to be prepared for those that can happen at home, the office, or at school. In fact, a Red Cross survey given in 2010 found that one in four people (27 percent) have found themselves in a situation where someone needed CPR. Recent research also shows that if more people learned hands-only CPR, we could increase the likelihood of surviving cardiac emergencies that occur outside a hospital by putting more victims within a few steps of lifesaving assistance.
 
“The tragedy in Tucson is a reminder of how important it is for everyone to know first aid and CPR,” said Terry Burkhart, Bluegrass Chapter CEO. “As this tragic event unfolded, several bystanders knew these vital skills, which helped save the lives of many victims, including Congresswoman Giffords. This inspired us to offer this training right here in the Bluegrass. We are delighted so many individuals have taken advantage of this free training.”

The Red Cross was able to provide this free training through the generous support of Walgreens and Safeway.  

Also on March 19, the Red Cross premiered a special set of videos to teach CPR and first aid skills. Those who were unable to attend the Save-a-Life Saturday event can visit www.redcross.org/savealife to see lifesaving skills being taught. The public can also contact the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross at 859-253-1331 or www.redcrosslexky.org to find out when full CPR and first aid classes are offered at other times.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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