Red Cross has made changes to first aid and CPR practices in Canada.
The idea is to update the guidelines to reflect the latest scientific research.
Don Marentette, spokesperson with the Canadian Red Cross says the programs are in place, now it’s time to focus on training people.
“We really want to look and focus on people’s willingness to help someone in a time of need. And we really want to give someone the confidence to do that,” said Marentette.
Marentette says the training has to focus on a fearless response during an emergency.
“We’ve been giving them the skills but now we’re trying to bridge the gap to the will. So that’s fed into it and formed some of our guideline changes.”
Marentette says there are about 70-thousand heart attacks and 40-thousand cardiac arrests in this country each year.
And only half of those trained in CPR and first aid have the confidence to help.
