(photo courtesy of the city of West Hollywood)

When an emergency happens, would you know what to do? Get certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, First Aid and Automated External Defibrillators to give you the confidence you need to respond in an emergency.

The city of West Hollywood is offering a free American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification training on Saturday, Nov. 4. Choose one of the two training sessions that will take place from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center, located at 8750 El Tovar Place in the Doheny Room. Limited parking is available at the West Hollywood Park Five-Story parking structure, located at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd.

This American Red Cross certification training will cover adult and pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED topics and participants will learn how to respond to medical emergencies. Prior to meeting in-person, participants will be enrolled in an online learning session that takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. There will be in-person section reviews and tests that will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per section for participants to receive certification. The online learning session link will be sent out seven days prior to the in-person training session. All online coursework must be completed before the in-person training session.

Space is limited and is anticipated to reach capacity quickly. Enroll using the city of West Hollywood’s “ActiveNet” online reservations portal. RSVPs require ActiveNet registration, which takes just a minute to complete. Visit anc.apm.activecommunities.com/weho/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&viewMode=list

Once capacity reaches limits, community members who are interested are encouraged to join a waitlist. The city will host additional American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification trainings during the 2024 calendar year. To join this waitlist, contact Jessica Anukam, the city of West Hollywood’s Public Safety Specialist, at (323)848-6436 and the city will reach out as future trainings are scheduled.

Knowledge in first aid has multiple benefits. Accidents are inevitable, and there is no guarantee that people are safe from any physical injury, illness or trauma. The best thing that people can do is to be prepared when and if any accidents, mishaps, and occurrences happen. Every year, millions of people are hurt or killed from injuries due to inadequate response or lack of timely assistance. The biggest difference between victims who survive and those who do not is a bystander’s willingness to help. Performing any sort of basic life support on victims while an ambulance is on the way doubles a person’s chance of survival.

For information about the city of West Hollywood’s free American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification training, email wehoaquatics@weho.org or call (323)848-6538. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323)848-6496.