San Rafael 'Sidewalk CPR' Sessions Planned Later This Month

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Marin County residents will have an easy way to learn some critical skills later this month, during free Sidewalk CPR sessions that are designed to take 15 minutes or less.

The sessions will be hosted by the county's Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Emergency Medical Services Agency, Marin Medical Reserve Corps and OD FREE Marin.

At each of the dozen events scheduled for Aug. 19, neighbors will be able to learn how to perform hands-only CPR, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), administer overdose reversal drugs, and control bleeding when someone is injured.

"Medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or an overdose, can happen anytime, anywhere," said Chris Le Baudour, director of the Emergency Services Agency. "Marin's Sidewalk CPR trainings aim to equip our community with the skills needed to help save a life. I thank our many partners for working with us to offer these critical lifesaving skills trainings for people of all ages in Marin County."

According to data from Marin County EMS, close to 90 percent of the 200 residents that suffered cardiac arrests away from a medical facility died last year, highlighting the importance of swift action from bystanders to improve the chance of survival. CPR performed properly, directly after a cardiac arrest, can boost survival odds by 60 percent.

Here is where this month's sessions are scheduled:

(Aug. 19 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

• Bon Air Shopping Center (Greenbrae)
• Corte Madera Town Center
• Marin Country Mart (Larkspur)
• Montecito Plaza (San Rafael)
• Muir Beach parking lot
• Sausalito Ferry Terminal
• Stinson Beach Fire Department
• Target (Marin City)
• Tiburon Ferry Terminal
• The Depot (Mill Valley)
• Toby’s Feed Barn (Pt. Reyes Station)
• Vintage Oaks Shopping Center (Novato)