CrossFit Hosts CPR/AED event with Redmond Firefighters.

If residents are interested in emergency preparedness and CPR/AED training, they can participate in a Redmond Ready Day community class on May 21 at Fire Station 17. Please visit www.redmond.gov/ready to register online. The cost is $25 for the materials.

Redmond, WA - More lives are saved when the general public is trained in CPR and the proper use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Jason Kingsbury survived a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) last fall because his friends knew CPR, recognized it as cardiac arrest, and knew how to use an AED. This inspired Jason and his wife, Theresa, to organize a CPR/AED training day at CrossFit Fuse in Redmond.

“I was lucky that Arena Sports had an AED that was clearly identified and available,” said Jason Kingsbury. “When I collapsed on the indoor soccer field that night, my friends immediately began CPR and shocked me with that AED. I don’t remember much of that night, but I do know that without having that AED along with friends who knew CPR that I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

The Kingsburys and Crossfit members realized this emergency could have just as easily happened at their workout facility so, with the support of CrossFit Fuse Redmond, they instituted CPR training and purchased an AED. The Kingsburys worked with Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paul Atkinson, who organized a team of Redmond Firefighters to join CrossFit Fuse member on Saturday, March 12, 2016, for their Work out of the Day (WOD), and then they taught a CPR/AED class.

“It was really great to work out with Jason and Theresa,” stated Redmond Firefighter Atkinson. “I responded to Jason’s SCA at Arena Sports and arrived after his friends had provided CPR and defibrillation. Ever since his SCA, Jason and his wife have worked really hard to raise awareness and to promote CPR and AED training. I was extremely glad to help them provide this CPR/AED outreach.”