Empowering North Dakota: American Heart Association and Essentia Health Distribute CPR Anytime® Kits to Local Workplaces

Training kits can help save lives during cardiac emergencies.

Fargo, N.D. — The American Heart Association (AHA) and Essentia Health are joining forces to prepare businesses across North Dakota for heart emergencies. They are distributing CPR Anytime® Kits to local worksites.

These kits allow anyone to learn basic CPR skills in just about 20 minutes. Each of the 12 selected worksites received four kits, funded by Essentia Health. The kits come with helpful materials and tools for practicing CPR at home. Essentia Health will also offer guidance on how to use these kits for workplace training.

“Training more people in CPR is crucial for our communities,” said Ryan Telford, a manager at Essentia Health. “Quick CPR can greatly improve chances of survival during a cardiac arrest.”

The AHA aims to double the survival rate from cardiac arrests by 2030. Approximately 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals each year. Responding quickly—by calling 911, performing CPR, and using an AED—can save lives. Currently, 90% of people who experience a cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, mainly because they don’t receive timely CPR.

CPR performed immediately can double or even triple a person’s likelihood of survival. “We are thankful to Essentia Health for supporting this vital program,” said Jessica Lundgren from the AHA. “With these kits, we hope to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to act fast during emergencies.”

To learn more about CPR and the training kits, visit cpr.heart.org.