Medics will be holding free training sessions for the public on how to aid someone who may be in cardiac arrest.

The initiative, organised by the Bermuda Hospitals Board, is being held to mark national CPR and AED Awareness Week.

Kelly Pitcher, a nurse and clinical educator with the BHB, said: “Immediate intervention with cardiopulmonary resuscitation — CPR — can double, even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.

“CPR is an intervention that can save the life of someone in cardiac arrest, and an AED is an automated external defibrillator device.”

According to the American Heart Association, a heart attack victim’s chance of survival decreases by 10 per cent for every minute CPR is delayed.

Ms Pitcher added: “Our free Friends and Family CPR courses are ideal for everyday people, like parents, community groups and babysitters, who don’t need certification but want to learn how to save a life if needed.

“We offer Heartsaver CPR AED training for a $20 fee to those who require certification, such as caregivers, camp counsellors, daycare operators and lifeguards.”

The classes will be held from June 1 to June 4.

For more information or to register, call 239-1029 or 239-1821, or e-mail coursereg@bhb.bm.