It’s been nearly 15 years since John Mazur was saved by CPR after suffering sudden cardiac arrest in October 2009. In that time, he has applauded his children’s graduations, traveled, and held a newborn grandchild. Mazur has also been a leader of the Capital Region Heart Walk team, “And the Beat Goes On,” made up of sudden cardiac arrest survivors.
Today, August 12, the Guilderland resident joined the Innovation Partnership, a collaboration between MVP Health Care and Albany County, to help announce the Community CPR Day set for Sunday, Sept. 29, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. and training beginning at 10 a.m. and going until 3 p.m. at the MVP Arena, 51 S. Pearl St., Albany. The Innovation Partnership and the American Heart Association have set a goal of training 600 people in Hands-Only CPR that day. This will increase the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers.
Survivor Bernie Phillips of Latham also shared his story at the announcement.
“Saving lives is the reason the Innovation Partnership is investing in this Community CPR Day. The survival statistics are staggering when it comes to people suffering sudden cardiac arrest outside of a medical setting. Only 10% survive,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “By performing CPR, the chances of survival double or triple. That’s a huge difference and Albany County has consistently collaborated with the American Heart Association to stress the importance of Hands-Only CPR. After seeing what happened to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on the football field, we all know that if anyone is trained in Hands-Only CPR, it could mean the difference between life and death. We want to give everyone the opportunity to be able to save a life.”
“At MVP Health Care, our mission is to build healthy communities and by providing life-changing opportunities like this CPR Day, we are furthering that goal,” said MVP Health Care’s President, Dr. Richard Dal Col. “Together with the American Heart Association and Albany County, our intent of this event is to increase equitable access to life-saving techniques in an emergency. Hands-only CPR is an extremely valuable skill that anyone can learn and perform, and we encourage everyone to join us as we equip those in the Capital Region with the means to truly make a difference in someone’s life.”
“The American Heart Association created the guidelines for CPR, and as part of our regular review of procedures, we learned that Hands-Only CPR is an effective way to keep someone alive until help arrives,” said Neil Yager, D.O., president of the Capital Region Board of Directors of the American Heart Association and cardiologist at Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System. “We are intent on creating a Nation of Lifesavers, where everyone knows CPR, and look forward to training 600 people in Hands-Only CPR on September 29 at the MVP Arena.”
“Two men did CPR and used an AED for 40 minutes to save me,” Mazur said. “They thought I was gone. But, 15 years later, this year, my granddaughter was born, and I celebrated my mother’s 90th birthday with her.”
“CPR is more than just a life-saving skill—it’s a commitment to the safety and well-being of every young athlete who plays the game they love. When saving lives, every second counts!” said Ta-Sean C. Murdock, past coach of the Albany Hurricanes and at the Albany Boys and Girls Club, and executive director, Grand Street Community Arts. “In youth sports, being properly trained and prepared can make all the difference. This program will empower our coaches, staff, and players with the knowledge that can and will save a life.”
On Sept. 29, Hands-Only CPR will be taught in half-hour time slots, with the ability to train 80 people each half hour. To register, visit heart.org/cpr518.
A limited number of CPR & First Aid Youth Sports Training Kits will be given away to Albany County youth sports teams. Teams can apply for the kits on the same Web site where people can register for the CPR training. The kits contain mannikins, kneepads and training materials to teach Hands-Only CPR. Applications for the kits are also accepted at heart.org/cpr518.
###