Learning CPR At West Acres

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 Learning how to help save lives can be as easy as taking a four minute class.

The F–M Ambulance Service and the Fargo Fire Department taught many in the region hands only CPR.

Terry Voecks knows the importance of learning CPR.
Around 30 years ago he stumbled upon a lifeless body.
Unfortunately he didn’t know how he could help besides by calling 9–1–1.

“I did not know how and I could’ve probably used it at that point you know more so, so I figured it’s a good thing to learn,” said Voecks of Thief River Falls.

Voecks came with his wife to West Acres Mall when he saw the Save a Life Saturday event.
The F–M Ambulance Service is working to increase survivability of out of hospital cardiac arrests.

To help with survivability they need the public to learn how to perform CPR.

“Especially you know on Valentine’s Day we’re focusing on the one’s that we love and we don’t want to lose any of those people,” said Kathy Lonski with the F-M Ambulance Service.

People of all ages took to the dummies.

Even some people who are already CPR certified took the class as a simple refresher.

Kimmy Fenton is a student at East Grand Forks High School and she hopes to study nursing in college.
She has her CPR certification and wanted to revisit the lifesaving skill.

“If you see like a car accident or something and you want to help at least you know how to do CPR, or if something happens in like a public place you know what to do,” said Fenton.

Learning how to do hands on CPR includes calling 9-1-1, and pressing hard and fast at the center of their chest.

“We really, really want everybody to if they see someone go down in cardiac arrest start compressions,” said Lonski.

Just a simple course for people like Voecks to learn how to potentially save a life.