CPR, AED and First Aid

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Overview

Costa Mesa Fire Department does not conduct CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), AED (Automated External Defibrillator), or first aid training for the general public. However, the Fire Department strongly recommends that all citizens become CPR, AED, and first aid certified because what happens during the 5 minutes average time it takes for paramedics to arrive can make the difference between life and death. Costa Mesa Fire Department endorses both American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross (ARC) training courses. Both the AHA and the ARC offer Orange County residents training in CPR, AED, and first aid. However, the two organizations differ in terms of their structure and function:

American Heart AssociationAmerican Heart Association - AHA courses are coordinated and conducted by Community Training Centers (CTCs), which are independent entities (such as hospitals, private businesses, schools) that have a contractual relationship with AHA to provide training. There are approximately 30 CTCs spread throughout Orange County that offer training to the public.

American Red Cross - The Orange County Chapter of the ARC directly coordinates and conducts its own courses. ARC courses are held at four different locations in the county: 1) Santa Ana (headquarters); 2) Fountain Valley ; 3) Fullerton ; and 4) Brea.

American Heart Association - 1-877-AHA-4CPR (1-877-242-4277) - A live operator (at the AHA National Contact Center in Pennsylvania ) provides the telephone number and address of the AHA CTCs in your area (25 mile radius). The operator does not provide any course information.

americanheart.org - The AHA website contains detailed information about the various courses offered, which helps you decide which particular course is best for your needs. However, in order to get details such as course dates, times, and costs, you will have to contact a specific CTC, as these details vary among the many CTCs.

Red Cross1-714-481-5355 - A live operator (at the Orange County Red Cross Chapter Headquarters in Santa Ana ) provides comprehensive course information and can answer any questions you might have.

oc-redcross.org - The ARC website also provides comprehensive course information.