Q. Why should I take one of these classes?

A. You can save the life of a loved one, a fellow parishioner, a friend, or a co-worker with the skills you will learn in this class.

Q. How will the class be structured?

A. Upon registration, you will receive a booklet to review and bring to class. The class will be limited to the American Heart Association (AHA)-recommended seven participants to assure individual attention. It will be taught by Glenda George, RN, who is certified by the AHA to teach the course and who is an instructor with the UNC School of Nursing. She will bring all the necessary teaching aids to Room 4-5 in the basement of the Yates Wing.

Q. What will I learn?

A. You will learn how to determine if someone has stopped breathing or is having a heart attack or a stroke, how to breathe for them using a device that protects you from contagious diseases, how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart has stopped, and how to use the automatic external defibrillator (AED).

Q. What is an AED?

A. An AED is a device that evaluates the victim's heart rhythm, generates and delivers an electric charge, and reevaluates the heart rhythm. All AEDs provide both voice and visual prompts to lead you through important rescue steps. The parish owns an AED, which is kept in the closet next to the fireplace in the dining room.

Q. Will I be at risk of injury during the class?

A. No. The mannequins used to learn the breathing technique have been disinfected. Still, if you choose not to use one, you will be required only to demonstrate proper procedure without actually breathing into the mannequin. The AED will be a mock-up and will not deliver an electrical charge. Also, though rescue is usually done on the floor, you will be working at a table.

Q. Am I legally at risk if I use CPR or an AED?

A. No. State law protects anyone who performs CPR or uses an AED.

Q. How do I register for the class and what does it cost?

A. Contact Chandra Cook, the parish administrative assistant, to register (919-929-2193, ccook@thechapelofthecross.org ). The cost is $15. (The full cost is $32, but the instructor and the parish together are covering $17.) You will be lent a booklet to look over before the class. It is not necessary to read the whole book, but familiarizing yourself with the contents will enhance your learning during the class. You may purchase the book for $10 if you wish.

Q. If I cannot come to the August class, will I have another chance to attend?

A. Yes. Future dates have not been set, but we hope to have a class in the fall and spring.

Q. How can I get more information about the class?