DAPHNE, Ala.— The Daphne Fire Department will offer free CPR training on July 6 at 6 p.m. at the Daphne Recreation Department, which is located at the corner of Whispering Pines Road and U.S. Highway 98.

The fire department offers free community CPR classes every month. The classes are taught by fire department personnel, who are all CPR instructors certified by the American Heart Association.

Tom Walker, public information officer for the Daphne Fire Department, said the basic CPR classes typically last for three hours.

The courses offered include a basic CPR class and healthcare personnel can stay for an additional hour for additional training necessary for their jobs, Walker said.

Anyone wishing to receive certification cards for basic life support and CPR will be charged $3 and anyone wishing to receive certification for a healthcare provider will be charged $6.

The core skills learned in the course are designed to teach someone the basics of CPR to sustain an individual in cardiac arrest in an emergency situation until emergency personnel arrives.

“You never know when you are going to come across somebody that has had a heart attack or stops breathing,” Walker said. “CPR is vital to continue the flow of blood throughout the system. You have to have blood flowing in order to maintain your blood circulation,” Walker said.

The CPR course includes instruction for operating an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and first aid. 

Walker said knowing how to use an AED could come in handy.

Participants will receive a take-home CPR kit and the skills necessary to assist in a cardiac emergency.

Classes will also be offered on Aug. 2, Sept. 1, Oct. 4, Nov. 3 and Dec. 6. Additional dates will be added to the schedule at a later date.

Space in the course is limited to 25 participants. To reserve a place in the course call 251-621-2802.