Laredo Public Health Department to hold CPR training

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 13:02 GMT

Laredo Public Health Department Launches Free CPR Training to Boost Community Life‑Saving Skills

August 26, 2025 – Laredo, Texas – In an effort to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest, the Laredo Public Health Department (LPHD) hosted a free, hands‑on CPR training session on Saturday, August 26. The event, held at the Laredo Community Center on Main Street, drew more than 120 residents eager to learn lifesaving skills from certified instructors.

A Community‑First Initiative

LPHD director Dr. Maria Torres opened the session by underscoring the importance of community‑wide CPR training. “In Laredo, as in many parts of Texas, out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest accounts for a significant number of deaths. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces survival chances by about 10 percent. By teaching our neighbors how to act quickly, we can change outcomes for countless families,” she said.

The training, part of the department’s “Heart‑Health for All” campaign, was offered at no cost to participants. The public health department partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) to provide up‑to‑date, evidence‑based instruction in the latest Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines. A link to the event registration—available at the LPHD website (https://www.laredopublichealth.gov/activities/cpr-training)—allowed residents to sign up in advance, though on‑the‑spot registration remained open to accommodate walk‑ins.

What Participants Learned

The day’s curriculum combined didactic lectures, live demonstrations, and hands‑on practice with CPR mannequins. Key topics covered included:

• Recognition of Cardiac Arrest: Quick assessment techniques for checking responsiveness, breathing, and pulse.
• Chest Compressions: Proper hand placement, compression depth (at least 2 inches in adults), rate (100–120 compressions per minute), and allowing full chest recoil.
• AED Use: How to locate, power on, attach pads, and follow audio prompts.
• Post‑Event Care: Transitioning to emergency medical services and the importance of ongoing CPR until professional help arrives.

The instructors—four certified BLS professionals—used the “CPR‑Smart” mannequins, which provide real‑time feedback on compression depth and rate. According to Dr. Torres, “Hands‑on practice is essential. We wanted participants to leave the room confident enough to step into an emergency and perform effectively.”

A highlight of the session was a “Real‑Life Simulation” where participants practiced rescuing a mannequin simulating a sudden collapse. After the drill, instructors offered individualized feedback, reinforcing best practices and correcting common errors such as pressing too hard or forgetting to allow full chest recoil.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

The LPHD has long worked with local schools, churches, and businesses to expand its reach. For this event, the department coordinated with Laredo High School to recruit volunteers and with the Laredo Chamber of Commerce to distribute flyers across downtown. The Chamber’s president, Luis Ramirez, remarked, “We’re proud to support the LPHD’s initiative. Training our workforce in CPR is an investment in the safety and resilience of our community.”

In addition to the training itself, the department’s outreach team shared resources on how to maintain CPR skills, including refresher courses every two years and online modules. The event also featured a short talk from a local cardiologist, Dr. Anthony Delgado, who explained the medical science behind CPR and how timely intervention can preserve brain function and prevent organ damage.

A Broader Public Health Vision

The CPR training is just one element of LPHD’s broader strategy to enhance cardiovascular health in Laredo. The department’s website (https://www.laredopublichealth.gov/heart-health) outlines several initiatives: community fitness programs, nutrition education in schools, and a mobile “Heart‑Check” clinic that offers free ECG screenings.

According to the AHA’s latest data—linked in the LPHD’s press release (https://www.heart.org/press-releases/laredo-cpr)—every 30 seconds in the United States, a person is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. In Laredo, the incidence mirrors national trends, underscoring the urgency of community preparedness. Dr. Torres emphasized that “by equipping our citizens with the knowledge and tools to act, we reduce not only mortality but also the long‑term health burden associated with cardiac events.”

What’s Next?

The LPHD announced plans to hold quarterly CPR refresher sessions, with a special “Family‑First” workshop targeted at parents of children under 12. These upcoming classes will cover pediatric CPR, a topic currently underserved in the region.

“We’re excited to expand our reach,” said Dr. Torres. “Our goal is for every Laredo resident—no matter their background—to feel empowered to act in an emergency. CPR training is a vital first step toward that vision.”

Residents interested in upcoming events can visit the LPHD’s calendar page (https://www.laredopublichealth.gov/calendar) or follow the department on social media for real‑time updates.

In Summary

The LPHD’s free CPR training on August 26 marked a significant milestone in Laredo’s public‑health efforts. With hands‑on instruction, expert guidance, and community partnerships, the event empowered over 120 residents with life‑saving skills. As the department continues to roll out complementary programs, Laredo moves closer to a future where every cardiac emergency can be met with confidence, competence, and community solidarity.