You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives: Take a CPR Class this American Heart Month

During an emergency, seconds matter. When someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, immediate action can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why, as part of American Heart Month, the Norman Regional Nine is hosting CPR classes in partnership with the American Heart Association—empowering community members with the skills and confidence to step in when it matters most.

The American Heart Association’s message is simple but powerful: you are the first responder until help arrives. In many cardiac emergencies, the first person on the scene isn’t a healthcare professional—it’s a coworker, a family member, a coach, or a stranger nearby.

Why CPR Training Is So Important

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere—at home, at work, in a grocery store, or at a school event. When it does, every minute without CPR reduces a person’s chance of survival. Emergency medical services are highly trained and fast, but even the quickest response still takes time.

CPR helps keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives. When started immediately, CPR can double—or even triple—a person’s chance of survival.

CPR Is for Everyone

One common misconception is that CPR is only for healthcare workers. In reality, CPR is a skill anyone can learn. You don’t need a medical background—just the willingness to act.

What does this course teach?

• High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
• BLS concepts from the Chain of Survival
• Delivering effective breaths or ventilations
• Importance of early use of and how to use an AED
• Performance as an effective team member during multirescuer CPR
• Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults, children, and infants

These are practical, real-world skills that can be used at home, in public spaces, or at community events.

Confidence Saves Lives

In an emergency, fear and uncertainty can cause hesitation. CPR training helps replace that hesitation with confidence. Knowing what to do—and having practiced it—can make all the difference when emotions are high and every second counts.

Class Information

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please reach out to the class instructor, Jeni Bourke, here by email or by calling 405-476-6432. Class registration is $110 and classes last around four-and-a-half hours. Participants who complete the course will leave CPR certified and with a BLS Course Completion Card from the American Heart Association.

BLS (Basic Life Support) Provider Course

11 a.m., February 9 at Norman Regional Nine

2000 Ann Branden Blvd. Conference Rooms (2nd Floor) Norman, Oklahoma 73071

BLS (Basic Life Support) Provider Course

Noon February 6 at Norman Regional Nine

2000 Ann Branden Blvd. Conference Rooms (2nd Floor) Norman, Oklahoma 73071

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please reach out to the class instructor, Jeni Bourke, here by email or by calling 405-476-6432.

Building a Safer, Stronger Community

When more people are CPR-trained, entire communities become safer. Schools, workplaces, gyms, churches, and neighborhoods all benefit when everyday people are prepared to respond before first responders arrive.

By offering CPR classes, Norman Regional and the American Heart Association are helping reduce barriers to training and encouraging proactive heart health throughout our community.

Take the Step—It Could Save a Life

You may never expect to use CPR—but if the moment comes, being prepared matters. This American Heart Month, consider taking advantage of a CPR class and help ensure that when seconds count, you’re ready to be the first responder until help arrives.