This week, Kauai joins the nation in raising awareness for CPR and AED training, reminding residents that knowing lifesaving skills could mean the difference between life and death.
National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week, running from June 1 through June 7, aims to highlight the importance of knowing and learning the proper skills to empower communities.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, 356,000 cardiac arrests happen in the U.S. annually, with 90 percent of them fatal.
For the past 15 years, Hearts 4 Kauai, in partnership with the American Heart Association, has provided lifesaving skills to residents on the Garden Isle. Jamie Baldwin, owner/ operator of Hearts 4 Kauai, articulates the fulfillment she derives from teaching these essential skills. She emphasizes the significance of obtaining certification, which she believes is imperative for all individuals.
“Sudden Cardiac Arrest (when the heart stops beating properly) can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere- even to young and healthy individuals,” explained Baldwin, “It is important to learn CPR and how to use an AED because it empowers you to be a potential LIFESAVER!
“We teach various groups of people ranging from healthcare providers, the general layperson needing the course for their job, and families wanting the basic knowledge to help keep their family safe. We follow American Heart Association guidelines and provide an American Heart Association card after the completion of the training,” she said.
Hearts 4 Kauai has trained approximately 250 individuals over the past year, and they hope to see that number increase.
“CPR keeps the brain and heart alive,” added Baldwin. “Any able-bodied person is capable of performing CPR and using an AED. Even kids as young as 10 years old can become trained. It can be the difference between life and death for a family member, coworker, or even a stranger.
“We also offer a flexible blended learning option where the individual student may take the lecture portion online and schedule an in-person skills check with the American Heart Association Instructor.
Kauai Lifeguard Chris Pico, Ocean Safety Officer 2, also emphasized the importance of knowing these skills. He explains that as summer approaches, being trained and certified is increasingly essential.
“Summer brings swimming, hiking, boating, biking, and gatherings, all of which can lead to accidents, drownings, and sudden heart issues. Being CPR-certified equips you with the tools you need during critical moments—when every second counts,” he explained.
“Near-drownings are common even during the summer months. Often, CPR is the key to bringing someone back before emergency services arrive, so time is of the essence. Knowing how to use an AED can be lifesaving,” he said
Pico emphasized that numerous organizations and resources are available for public registration and use, enabling individuals and their families to be adequately prepared and equipped for emergencies.
“Recently, the County of Kauai has introduced a new app called PulsePoint, which has saved lives in our community,” added Pico. “PulsePoint Respond empowers off-duty first responders and everyday people trained in CPR to assist during emergencies, particularly in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. When someone calls 911, the app alerts nearby users that help is needed, allowing them to start lifesaving CPR until emergency services arrive.
“To date, 98 percent of Kauai’s firefighters and Ocean Safety personnel are successfully registered on PulsePoint, along with participation from other agencies, including Crash Fire, AIR 1, AMR, KPD, PMRF Fire, DOCARE, KEMA staff, the Health Department, the Mayor’s Office, and professionals from Wilcox &KVMH.
“The results so far have been impressive, and we hope to continue growing,” he said, “Since our PulsePoint launched back in February, a total of 135 AEDs have been registered island-wide. Next to creating a life, the finest thing one can do is save one.”
Residents interested in scheduling a class at Heart4Kauai can visit heart4kauai.com for more information. For more information on the PulsePoint app, contact KFD at kfd.Kauai.gov or call 808-241-4980.
Additional locations for classes and certifications around Kauai include the Hawaii Red Cross, Kauai Community College, the Kauai Fire Department- Prevention &Ocean Safety Bureau, and JTA Mobile CPR Training.
