The City of Richland Fire & Emergency Services Department is hosting a ceremony to recognize the Richland City Hall as a “Heart Safe Campus”. More than 90 staff assigned to the new City Hall facility recently completed the Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. The ceremony will take place at 625 Swift Blvd. at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 20, 2019. 

Hands-only CPR participants learn where to place their hands, how hard they must push, and the best consistent rhythm when compressing the chest. Practical use of Hands-Only CPR and the use of an AED reduces public fear and places importance on the willingness of bystanders to act in a cardiac arrest emergency. Oftentimes, when emergencies arise, the trained individual will most likely be attempting to save the life of a loved one, or acquaintance.  

There will be a brief ceremony with Fire Chief Tom Huntington and Mayor Bob Thompson speaking to recognize this accomplishment. Other facilities that have received this recognition include Chief Joseph Middle School in Richland. 

“We are pleased with the interest and participation in this program since we launched the Heart Safe Richland campaign,” states Chief Huntington. “Our staff are dedicated to continuing to educate our citizens on the importance of quick response to a cardiac event.”

The goal of Richland Fire Department is to educate at least 15% of the population and reduce the number of cardiac arrest-related deaths within the City and the greater Tri-Cities area. Richland firefighters are offering 30-minute training opportunities to schools, businesses, organizations and Home Owners Associations. 

For more information, including frequently asked questions and an instructional video, visit www.heartsaferichland.com or call the station 942-7703.