American Heart Association and TxDOT are making roads even safer with Hands-Only CPR education
AUSTIN, Texas, August 7, 2023 – The American Heart Association is working to build a Nation of Lifesavers™ through CPR education in Texas through a new program with TxDOT. The Hands-Only CPR initiative kicks off in Austin on August 15 with the first of two presentations on how to perform this life-saving skill. The goal is to reach all 269 offices throughout the state engaging nearly 13,000 employees.
“In many communities, the lack of access to care and distance to professionals means that bystander CPR is a matter of life and death,” said Vanessa Maldonado, executive director of the American Heart Association in Central Texas.
Over 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of the hospital every year, however, more than 70% of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency. By providing this opportunity to learn Hands-Only CPR, TxDOT is setting their employees up to be lifesavers for their families, friends, travelers and each other.
“TxDOT relies on reputable organizations like the American Heart Association to provide scientifically sound education for many of our programs,” said Gina Akin, statewide wellness program administrator for TxDOT.