'Save a Life Day' Teaches Hands-On
Life-Saving Skills

Health First's Free Event Included a 5K and Family Fun

A total of 860 people participated in Health First's annual "Save a Life Day," pairing a free community 5K with life-saving training.

Held on Saturday, June 15, at Viera High School, the event provided residents an opportunity to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as well as "Stop the Bleed" training. In addition, the event offered a free 5K, family activities and more.

"This is an opportunity where we can give back to the community by training our community members in key life-saving skills," said Paula Just, Chief Human Resources Officer, Health First. "Our mission is to improve the wellness and health of the community we serve, and one of the ways that we can do that is to make sure our community members have skills in CPR, FAST (which is recognizing the signs of a stroke), AED training and Stop the Bleed."

"Over the years, we have trained more than 20,000 people in these life-saving skills, and we believe that's an important way that we can continue to focus on keeping Brevard County healthy and well," she said.

Training was conducted by Health First instructors and volunteers and included Family & Friends CPR, which teaches adult, child and infant CPR. Among the volunteers were 34 senior University of Central Florida Nursing students from the Cocoa campus.

Additionally, Stop the Bleed training (also known as B-Con) follows a national initiative and teaches bystanders how to quickly control bleeding in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Participants are taught how to save lives by applying pressure, as well as how to use a tourniquet.

To learn about how Health First gives back, visit HFgivesback.org.