Huntington Health and Pasadena Fire Department Train Over 180 People in Hands-Only CPR Event

A free training session at The Paseo shopping mall in downtown Pasadena equipped 180 community members with critical life-saving skills.

The free training session, conducted by Huntington Health and the Pasadena Fire Department on June 6, prepared residents to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies that most commonly occur in home settings.

“A cardiac event most often happens in the home, so it’s important to be prepared to help our family members or friends when they need us the most,” said Jennifer Van Slyke, manager, prehospital program, Huntington Health. “Hands-Only CPR is a simple, life-saving skill. If you are with someone experiencing a cardiac medical emergency, be sure to first call 9-1-1 and then immediately begin chest compressions until help arrives.”

The training demonstration required less than five minutes per participant, making the life-saving education both accessible and efficient. Huntington Health team members and Pasadena firefighters guided participants through proper chest compression techniques using the rhythm of the famous Bee Gee’s song “Stayin’ Alive.” This musical approach helped participants internalize the quick rhythm necessary for effective cardiac arrest treatment.

Participants practiced compressions for a minimum of sixty seconds, learning the proper technique for treating cardiac arrest victims. The American Heart Association recommends performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute during emergency situations.

The training addresses a significant public health concern, as cardiac arrest represents a leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. More than 350,000 EMS-assessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually across the United States.

Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, partnered with Pasadena Fire Department to deliver this community-focused training initiative. The organizations emphasized the importance of immediate response during cardiac emergencies, teaching participants to call 9-1-1 first and then begin chest compressions until professional help arrives.

The event represents ongoing collaboration between Huntington Health, Pasadena Fire Department, and the City of Pasadena to enhance community emergency preparedness. Huntington Health expressed gratitude for the continued partnership, stating “Thank you, once again, to Pasadena Fire Department and the City of Pasadena for supporting this important community training.”

Additional information about hands-only CPR techniques and training opportunities is available through the American Heart Association at heart.org/CPR. This community training initiative demonstrates how healthcare institutions and emergency services can work together to build local capacity for responding to medical emergencies and potentially saving lives.