Free hands-only CPR trainings available for Granite Staters

CONCORD ― The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services announces its support of the NH CPR Challenge, an initiative led by the Executive Council during National EMS Week, which begins Sunday, May 17 and continues through Saturday, May 23.

The NH CPR Challenge is a bipartisan campaign with the objective of training at least 1,000 residents across all five Executive Council districts in lifesaving, hands‑only CPR. Hands-only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It's recommended for use by people who witness someone suddenly collapse in an out-of-hospital setting, such as at home or work, according to the American Heart Association.

“I am alive today because two people knew CPR,” said Councilor John Stephen of District 4, who suffered a cardiac emergency last year. “Every Granite Stater should know these two simple steps: call 911, push hard and fast. It takes 15 minutes to learn, and it can be the difference between life and death.”

Trainings will be available in numerous communities statewide. Residents can register for free at CPRChallengeNH.com. Fire departments, businesses, churches, and community groups interested in hosting free CPR training can also sign up.

“Providing immediate CPR significantly increases chances of survival after cardiac arrest,” said Director Mark Wholey of the Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services, which is providing six training sessions to State of New Hampshire employees as part of the NH CPR Challenge. Division staff will also assist local fire departments and community CPR hosts by providing equipment and training materials, as well as ensuring instructors are equipped with the latest hands‑only CPR best practices.

Businesses and community nonprofits are reminded to ensure their AED is included in the statewide registry so dispatchers can guide callers to nearby units.

For more information, visit fstems.dos.nh.gov.