The Rhode Island Census 2020 Fund has awarded grants to two East Providence organizations

Brown Medicine, one of the largest medical group practices in Rhode Island, is offering free CPR training classes to the general public at its Brown Medicine Patient Center located at 375 Wampanoag Trail in East Providence, R.I.

The training is free of charge and open to anyone over the age of 18 with advance registration required. Classes will be offered in two sessions; one in the morning from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. and another in the afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays: February 8, February 22, March 7, March 21, and March 28.

The interactive course follows a curriculum developed by the American Heart Association and taught by Leah Martinez, CNA. “I am beyond excited to be a part of this program,” states Martinez, who resides in Cranston, R.I. “As a certified CPR instructor, I believe it is an extremely important lifesaving tool that everyone should know.”

The course teaches lay-rescuer skills in the single-rescuer method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation; the use of an automated external defribillator (AED) for when someone goes into cardiac arrest; and choking relief for adults, children and infants. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from Brown Medicine on the day of the training.

Training is geared for the layperson and not for medical or law enforcement personnel. Those encouraged to attend include caregivers, bus drivers, school teachers, fitness center personnel, coaches, childcare workers, camp counselors, restaurant workers, Scout leaders, and more.

“We are pleased to offer this training to the community at large and encourage anyone who is not in the medical or emergency response field to take it, particularly those who work in restaurants, fitness centers or in a security capacity, who work with the elderly population, or who coach sports or teach school-age children,” comments Dr. Louis B. Rice, president/physician-in-chief of Brown Medicine. “It’s ideal for families, athletes, members of volunteer organizations, caregivers, and those interested in learning how to save a life.”

To register or for more information, interested participants can email Med.CPR@BrownPhysicians.org or visit http://www.brownmed.org and indicate which date and time they are enrolling. Each class session is limited in size, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the start of class.