I was one of the instructors who participated in this free event to the public. Being able to help an individual to respond to emergencies and to be better prepared for emergencies is a commitment I share with the American Red Cross and Oakland Parks and Recreation. It was a cold, overcast day, and the crowd was large. But there was a shared sense of community and empowerment that overwhelmed us all as we learned adult CPR, care for choking victims, rescue breathing, and how to keep our families better prepared for emergencies.

There is no better way to serve your community, your family, and yourself, than to take the small step of becoming trained in CPR. Every Oakland Resident has the ability to save a life. If you missed the event this past Saturday, it is not too late to get certified. Oakland Parks and Recreation will be offering several emergency preparedness courses, including First Aid & CPR, Babysitter Training, and Lifeguard Training. I encourage every Oaklander to take part in one of these classes; it is a small, but significant avenue for you to make a difference.

To register for an upcoming class in Oakland, click here.

For additional classes or information about Red Cross services, visit http://www.bayarea-redcross.org

City of Oakland
Office of Parks and Recreation
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 3330
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 238-PARK

Aquatics Unit
568 Bellevue Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 238-2196