Huntington Health and Pasadena Fire Department Provide Free Hands-Only CPR Training at Villa Parke

Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, in partnership with the Pasadena Fire Department, hosted a free Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training event at Villa Parke, equipping community members with life-saving skills in just minutes. During the event, members of Huntington’s emergency and cardiac teams, along with community outreach nurses, and Pasadena Fire Department trained 120 participants in proper Hands-Only CPR techniques—each demonstration lasting less than five minutes.

“A heart attack can happen anywhere—but most often at home,” said Huntington’s prehospital program manager, Jennifer Van Slyke, RN, MBA, MICN, CNML. “Hands-Only CPR is a quick, simple technique that can help a friend, neighbor or community member survive a life-threatening cardiac event. This annual event with the Pasadena Fire Department is the perfect opportunity for people to learn this skill. It only takes a few minutes to acquire the basic techniques, understand the importance of calling 9-1-1 first, and gain the confidence to step in and help.”

The training featured 5-minute, one-on-one sessions led by Huntington clinical professionals and Pasadena Fire personnel, including hands-on practice using CPR manikins. Participants also received educational materials and practical tips to reinforce their learning.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin emphasized the importance of community preparedness: “Every minute matters during a cardiac emergency. By teaching Hands-Only CPR, we’re empowering residents to take immediate action before first responders arrive. These simple skills can truly mean the difference between life and death.”

Held in recognition of the American Heart Association’s National CPR Week, the event is one of many taking place across Los Angeles County and nationwide to raise awareness about the importance of immediate bystander intervention during cardiac emergencies. While the mini-training sessions do not provide formal CPR certification, they are designed to empower individuals with the confidence and knowledge to act quickly in an emergency.

For more information about Hands-Only CPR, please visit the American Heart Association at: http://cpr.heart.org