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06.01.2009 CPR training proves life-saving for 2-year-old

Two-year-old Harper Riffle and his 4-year-old twin sisters were playing happily on their swing set in their Union County backyard when the unthinkable happened.

Somehow, Harper got a rope wrapped around his neck. Harper’s mother, Rebecca, found him with his face blue. She performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Harper, and by the times paramedics arrived, Harper was breathing on his own. He spent the night in the hospital but is already back on the swing set.

Rebecca said she used the CPR skills she learned years ago to save her son’s life. Although she calls her skills rusty, “they worked,” she said. “I’m definitely going to get recertified in CPR,” she added.

Knowing CPR and other life-saving skills is imperative. During National CPR Awareness Week, which runs from June 1-7, your local American Red Cross chapters are working to ensure you get trained.

On Saturday, June 6, the following chapters will hold CPR classes for a discounted price of just $25:

Greater Carolinas Chapter – Adult CPR/AED Register now!
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 2425 Park Road, Charlotte NC 28203
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 200 Overhill Drive, Suite A Mooresville NC 28117
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 1710-B Davie Ave., Statesville NC 28677

You can also call 704.378.4638 to register.

Gaston County Chapter – Adult CPR and First Aid
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 190 S. Oakland St., Gastonia, NC 28052

Visit http://gastoncounty.redcross.org/ or call 704.864.2623 to register.

To find other CPR courses near you at any time, contact your local Red Cross chapter in the Carolina Piedmont Region:

Burke County Chapter
828.438.8844
www.burkeredcross.net/

Cabarrus County Chapter
704.782.9022
www.cabarruscounty.redcross.org/

Catawba Valley Chapter
828.322.4151
www.catawbavalleyarc.org/

Cleveland County Chapter
704.487.8594
www.clevelandcountyredcross.org/

Elizabeth H. Dole Chapter
704.633.3854
http://ehdoleredcross.org/

Lincoln County Chapter
704.735.3500

Stanly County Chapter
704.982.0070
www.scncredcross.org/

Union County Chapter
704.283.7402
www.unioncountyredcross.org/

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The Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. To make a donation or find out more about the American Red Cross, visit http://www.redcross.org.