Rochester, NY — February 24th — Rochester Fire Department personnel participated in a Heart Month program to encourage community members to learn hands-only CPR. At the Thomas P. Ryan Community Center, Malik Evans took part in a demonstration alongside Dr. LeKeyah Wilson of Rochester Regional Health. Residents learned how to handle a cardiac emergency and administer chest compressions until emergency medical personnel could arrive.

Early CPR can help sustain blood flow to the brain and other essential organs, according to the American Heart Association. CPR instruction is routinely supported by Monroe County fire departments and healthcare partners as part of community risk reduction initiatives. According to officials, spectators can do hands-only CPR while they wait for rescue personnel because it is easy to learn.