The new regulations affect chiropractors, dentists, dental hygienists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, body-workers, licensed midwives, emergency medical technicians, first responders, day-care center providers, group home, shelter care providers; medical vehicle attendants, and lifeguards at public pools or camps. The law even goes as far as to say each fitness center employee must be trained within 90 days of hire. Overall proficiency in AED use applies at the time of initial application for, and renewal of, an occupational license or certificate.

To help companies, organizations and professionals comply with the law, Red Cross Chapters throughout Wisconsin have added “AED-only” courses to assist those impacted by Act 104. Combination CPR/AED courses are currently available throughout the calendar year. The combination course is the typical standard for Red Cross classes.

To find your local Chapter and information on health and safety courses visit www.redcross.org. Simply type your local zip code in the box on the center of the page under the words “Find the Red Cross Nearest You”. Visit us to find out how you can have the power to save a life.

“The Red Cross knows everyone has the power to save a life; they may just not be trained. Our goal is to have at least one person in every household and on each floor of every office building trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED,” says Tony Gonzalez, Chapter Executive, for the Outagamie Chapter. “It will take a little time and money to be comfortable with the skills. Yet time is precious, and money is irrelevant, when your child, parent, friend, or co-workers needs you to save their life.”

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death among adults in North America. Approximately 325,000 Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest each year and more than 95 percent of them die before reaching the hospital.

The average response time for first responders, once 911 is called, is 8-10 minutes. For each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival for a person in cardiac arrest is reduced approximately 10%. If CPR and/or defibrillation are not applied within 10 minutes after sudden cardiac arrest, there is virtually no chance of survival. These life-saving statistics are why the Red Cross encourages everyone to learn important skills that could someday save a life.

The Northeast Wisconsin American Red Cross is a regional grouping of six chapters serving 19 counties. The regional grouping strives to maintain both consistency and momentum in the overall goals of the American Red Cross via the following Chapters: East Central Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County, Lakeland, Manitowoc/Calumet, Neenah-Menasha and Outagamie County. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge. Thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the Northeast region at 920-231-3590 or www.newredcross.org