Frequently Asked Questions

CPR Anytime for Family and Friends

1. I know there was a big “Save a Life Day” event at the Temple Mall on May 10 where kits were distributed at a reduced cost. But I wasn’t able to get to the Temple Save a Life Day. Can I still get the kits now?

Answer: Yes. The kits are being distributed after May 10 through the Temple Public Library, Central Fire Station, and the Summit Recreation Center. Click on “Obtaining CPR for Family & Friends Kits” on your left.

2. Are the kits free?

Answer: The kits can be obtained through the Temple CPR Task Force for less than 50% of the regular price thanks to financial sponsorship by area organizations. The normal cost from the American Heart Association is $29.95 plus shipping and tax for a total of close to $34.00. Through our Temple CPR Task Force, you will be able to get the adult/child kit for $15 and the infant kit for $20.

3. Is the CPR learned using the CPR for Family & Friends kit the same as AHA certified training?

Answer: The CPR taught using the kit is the same as that taught by the four-hour AHA certification program. However, to be certified training, the CPR training must be completed under the direct supervision of a certified American Heart Association CPR trainer. The at home training using the CPR Anytime for Family & Friends kit while not supervised, is sufficient for any bystander to apply CPR until 911 responders arrive. Those requiring certified CPR training, such as medical and health care workers, can contact any of the area hospitals, Temple College, or Temple Fire & Rescue to find the location and cost of certified AHA CPR training programs. These programs are typically four hours in length.

4. Can I get more than one kit so I can send some to my children or grandchildren?

Answer: The cost of the kits is underwritten by local Temple organizations for Temple area families so the focus is on providing kits to Temple families. For each kit obtained, you must commit to training four others. You can get more than one kit, but you must make the commitment to train four different others with each kit.

5. Must I make any commitment when I obtain the kit through the Temple CPR Task Force?

Answer: Yes. Each kit obtained will require the purchaser to complete a Commitment to Train form specifying the he/she will train at least four others in CPR using the kit by a date of his/her choosing, and to notify the Temple CPR Task Force that the training has been completed. This is considered a reasonable exchange for being able to obtain the kits at less than ½ the normal price.

1. I heard that we don’t have to do “mouth-to-mouth” anymore. Is that true?

Answer: Yes, partially true. The American Heart Association is emphasizing that “hands only” (chest compressions only) is better than nothing and that without at least “hands only”, a sudden cardiac arrest victim is very likely to die. “Hands only” buys time until the EMT can arrive and take over.

But in situations where you didn’t witness the event happen, sudden cardiac arrest of children and infants, and drowning, two mouth-to-mouth breathes done quickly followed by 30 chest compressions with this cycle being repeated will likely give a better chance of survival. However, if in doubt at least do “hands only”. Otherwise, the victim is very likely to die.

2. Can I order a kit from the CPR Task Force and have it mailed to me?

Answer: Discounted kits provided through the Temple CPR Task Force can be obtained at the designated distribution points. If you want a kit mailed to you, you can order it at regular price from the American Heart Association. Click on “Obtaining CPR for Family & Friends Kits” on your left.

3. Who are the financial sponsors of the Temple Save a Life Day?

Answer: Click on “Sponsors” on your left to review our generous sponsors. Each has provided monies to allow us to provide the kits to community at less than 50% of the normal price.

4. How do I know that I am doing CPR correctly?

Answer: Follow the instructions on the DVD that came with the kit. If you do what the DVD trainer says, and practice, you will do just fine.

5. Can my children learn CPR?

Answer: That depends mostly on whether they are old enough to follow the instructions and big enough to do the chest compressions. Generally, children can learn CPR if they are at least 9 or 10.

6. Will the CPR kit teach me to do CPR on my children or my baby?

Answer: CPR training taught by the DVD provided with the kit covers both CPR for adults and CPR for children. A child is defined as ages 1-8. A separate kit is available for infants (under 1 year) and those are available as well through our distribution points.

7. Is there anything else taught on the CPR kit DVD that is important to me?

Answer: Yes. The training DVD includes training on the Heimlich maneuver to help a choking victim, and training on how to use a public defibrillator (AED) which will automatically shock a failing heart if needed. While anyone can easily use an AED since it give you voice prompts on what to do, it helps to at least become familiar with the device through this training.

8. I understand that a defibrillator is supposed to be used as soon as possible after a Sudden Cardiac Arrest event happens. Are these available for lay citizens to use?

Answer: Yes. There are over 60 public defibrillators (AED’s) available throughout Temple. Temple Fire & Rescue has provided a location inventory to Bell County 911 Communications so that when someone calls 911, they will be able to tell you in what nearby building and where in the building a defibrillator is available. Also, each police car and each fire engine carries a defibrillator.

9. Where can I get more information?

Answer: You can call Temple Fire & Rescue at (254)298-5682 (M-F, 8-5 pm). They will be happy to help you. In addition, click on “Still Have Questions?” on your left for more help sources of help.

Last revised: 5/15/2008