Red Cross launches new CPR training program for families

NEWTON - The Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross is launching “Circle of Survival,” a new program designed to conveniently provide Sussex County parents with the knowledge and skills they need to save the lives of their infants and small children in emergencies. The program will kick off from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, at the Newton headquarters of the Sussex County chapter, located at 93 Spring St. in Newton. Infants, small children and parents will attend classes together. Because it is a pilot program, the Red Cross is limiting registration and attendance, and will charge only $5 per parent(s) and child unit. Interested families are urged to register as soon as possible to assure a place in the class. “The Circle of Survival program is designed as an outreach program to parents with infants and small children,” said Kristi Young, director of programs and services for the chapter. “It is at least partially in response to a possible rise in the numbers of babies with a reflux syndrome that can lead to emergency breathing situations and become life-threatening. We have had parents referred to us for CPR training as a result. “With Circle of Survival, parents and children attend classes together, making it more convenient than ever for parents to obtain the CPR training they need and want<” Young continued. “There’s no need for parents to feel they can’t access and acquire life-saving skills, either because they can’t get a baby-sitter or be separated from their infants and small children in order to take the class, or because night-time classes are too difficult for them.” For information or to register for the class, call 973-579-1600, ext. 13, or send e-mail to kyoung@sussexredcross.org.