‘Stayin’ Alive’ to Be the Life Saving Beat Heard in D.C.’s Golden Triangle During CPR Challenge Fri., Sept. 18

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Sept. 9, 2015–The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District and D.C. Fire and EMS Department are joining forces to see if they can get at least 200 people to learn CPR skills in one day in the neighborhood during the Golden Triangle CPR Challenge.

Hands-Only CPR involves training people to administer CPR to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive.” CPR can more than double a person’s chances of survival, and “Stayin’ Alive” has the right beat for Hands-Only CPR.

The CPR Challenge will take place Fri., Sept. 18 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in Farragut Park at Connecticut Avenue and K Street with quick 20 minute sessions, open to all area workers and residents. The training is easy; people can just walk up without an appointment. The sessions will be part of the BID’s Farragut Fridays.

“We encourage everyone to take part in this training. Most people who experience cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location die because they don’t receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene. Bystanders will never know when they may need to administer CPR,” says Dr. Jullette Saussy, medical director, D.C. Fire and EMS Department.

“September is National Preparedness Month and this CPR training is an excellent way for people in the Golden Triangle to do their part to be ready,” says Leona Agouridis, executive director, Golden Triangle BID. “Farragut Fridays are a popular gathering time for people in the BID to enjoy lunch, entertainment and other activities, so we thought this would be the best way to reach as many as possible.”

Studies have shown that immediate CPR followed by defibrillation within 3–5 minutes of sudden VF cardiac arrest dramatically improves survival. Communities that have focused on CPR training and early defibrillation experience survival rates for victims between 40–65 percent. D.C. is committed to making the community a cardiac arrest center of excellence.

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The Golden Triangle BID is a non-profit organization that works to enhance DC’s Central Business District from the White House to Dupont Circle and 16th Street NW to New Hampshire Avenue NW. The BID’s primary focus is to provide a clean, safe, and friendly environment within its 43 blocks of public space for area workers, local residents, and visitors. www.goldentriangledc.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Shapiro
Adam.Shapiro@ASPR.bz
202-427-3603