Anyone 12 or older can learn the life-saving skill of hands-only CPR as part of the “Don’t Miss a Beat” training Saturday, May 8 at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing.

The free hour-long class will train community members ages 12 and older how to give effective chest compressions – using manikins or special kits – to adults who have suffered a heart attack or cardiac arrest. The Three Rivers CPR Task Force is offering the sessions that morning starting at 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11.

Register online at 3rcpr.org or by calling 427-1164.

Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.

The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross’s adult, child, infant CPR training class through December 31, 2010. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attends the May training.

This is the fifth time the City and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network have offered this non-certified training. More than 600 people have learned hands-only CPR through this program.

In addition the training, the American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on site and local public safety agencies will offer demonstrations. To schedule a blood donation appointment, call (800) GIVE-LIFE or check the box on the online class registration form.