Madison firefighters, shown here in training exercises, are offering CPR classes each month. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Residents can learn a lifesaving skill in classes that Madison Fire & Rescue Department is offering.

Firefighters are leading classes in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) monthly on the second Saturday at 9 a.m. The class covers adult, child and infant CPR, along with operating an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Advancements have simplified CPR “into easy-to-understand and remember components, resulting in significant increases in the survivability of patients experiencing cardiac arrest,” Capt. Russ Kennington, Community Relations Officer, said.

Recently modified for bystander CPR, the curriculum now focuses “on the compression component of this lifesaving skill, no longer requiring mouth-to-mouth contact. Madison Fire & Rescue is constantly working to improve cardiac arrest survival rates through improved bystander performance and active citizenship,” Kennington said.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, any time but the department’s Community CPR Program “empowers CPR-trained citizens to help improve patient outcomes and save lives by reducing collapse-to-CPR and collapse-to- defibrillation times,” he said.

“We know that when our citizens are more engaged with the health of our community, they become integral partners of our team,” Kennington said. “In fact, when it comes to CPR, they become a critical component of our response effort.”

The American Safety and Health Institute recognizes Madison Fire & Rescue as a CPR instruction facility.

Cost is $15. After completing the class, participants receive a two-year certification and access to a website for more information and refresher exercises.

Firefighters realize attending the Saturday classes may be difficult so they even make ‘house calls.’ “We’ll be glad to come to your business, organization or home and teach the class. We require a minimum roster of eight people,” Kennington said.

Classes are held at Madison Fire Station 1, 101 Mill Road. To register or schedule a ‘house call,’ call Kennington at 256-783-4841 or email to russ.kennington@madisonal.gov.