Loveland proclaims April 14 2025 CPR and AED Awareness Day

The Loveland City Council meeting on February 11, 2025, highlighted the city's commitment to public health with the proclamation of February 14 as CPR and AED Awareness Day. This initiative aims to enhance community preparedness for cardiac emergencies, a pressing concern given that cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States.

During the meeting, Councilor Olsen read the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of CPR training and the availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the community. Loveland experiences approximately 90 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, and the timely delivery of CPR can significantly increase survival rates. The American Heart Association notes that effective bystander CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival.

Cara Pappas, Executive Director of the McKee Wellness Foundation, expressed gratitude for the city's ongoing efforts to foster a healthier community. She highlighted that nearly 900 residents were trained in CPR and AED use last year, with a goal to train 1,000 individuals in 2025. The city currently has 291 publicly accessible AEDs, with plans to add 48 more this year.

Pappas encouraged residents to download the PulsePoint Respond app, which alerts trained citizens to cardiac emergencies nearby, and to participate in CPR training sessions offered at a low cost. She also urged local businesses and organizations to consider acquiring AEDs for their premises, noting that financial assistance is available for these devices.

The meeting underscored Loveland's proactive approach to improving cardiac arrest survival rates through education, community engagement, and the strategic placement of lifesaving equipment. As the city continues to grow, these efforts aim to strengthen the community's overall health and safety, ensuring that residents are prepared to act in critical moments.