Visitors at the Stanislaus County Fair can learn to help save a life or just grab a few precious minutes of relaxation with their children and babies at venues sponsored jointly by Doctors Medical Center and Emanuel Medical Center.
Both hospitals have increased their sponsorship with the American Heart Association to provide greater support, patient education and community outreach regarding cardiovascular and heart disease. That outreach includes free CPR instruction at the Stanislaus County Fair. Fairgoers can learn compression-only cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, also called hands only CPR, at the hospitals’ CPR station.
With hands-only CPR, you only perform chest compressions and do not breathe into the person’s lungs, which is the method recommended for bystanders by the American Heart Association. Last year 1,151 fair-goers went through the 10-minute CPR training, which is taught by emergency responders from American Medical Response and hospital staff. This year, anyone who completes the training will get a drawstring tote. Other visitors to the booth can spin a wheel to answer heart-health questions and win other prizes.
“Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States, so raising public awareness of cardiovascular disease is critical,” said Emanuel CEO Sue Micheletti. “Emanuel has been sponsoring this training at the fair for several years, and we’re pleased to be joined by our sister hospital to expand our community education efforts.”
Next door to the CPR station will be the jointly-sponsored Baby Care Center, located in the building that used to hold the photography displays. Last year the Baby Care Center was visited by more than 2,100 parents and kids – mostly as a quiet place to take a break. This year the hours of the Baby Care Center have been extended to 10 p.m.
“Parents and caregivers asked for the extended hours last year, and we’re happy to provide that,” said Doctors Medical Center CEO Warren Kirk. “The Baby Care Center is quite popular. It has private breastfeeding areas, diaper-changing stations and a play area for older kids to enjoy with their caregiver. It’s a great place to catch your breath if you’re visiting the fair with young kids.”
The Fair begins a 10-day run July 8.
