By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva

Millions of Americans serve as caregivers for children and aging loved ones, yet many lack lifesaving training for emergencies like cardiac arrest. Only about one-third of adults feel confident responding, even though over 300,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S., with most pediatric emergencies happening at home.

The American Red Cross encourages people to take First Aid, CPR, and AED classes, which can triple survival chances in cardiac arrest situations. In Greater Kansas, more than 13,000 people were trained in lifesaving skills last year.

The Red Cross has updated its training to include infant CPR, epinephrine nasal spray use for anaphylaxis, and guidance on recognizing heart attacks, including differences in symptoms for women. These courses equip caregivers and bystanders to respond quickly and confidently to life-threatening emergencies.

Classes are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.