Why Knowing CPR Matters

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere—at home, at work, in a gym, or in a grocery store. In fact, most cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals, often in the presence of family members, friends, or coworkers.

When the heart stops, brain damage can begin within 4–6 minutes without oxygen. Even with a rapid EMS response, help may not arrive quickly enough. High-quality CPR started immediately by a bystander helps maintain blood flow and oxygen to vital organs until advanced care arrives.

Studies consistently show that immediate bystander CPR can double or even triple a patient’s chance of survival. CPR does not require medical training to be effective. Hands-only CPR—pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest—is simple to learn and can be performed by anyone.

Statistically, the person most likely to need CPR from you is someone you know and care about. Beyond the medical facts, knowing CPR provides confidence in a crisis, replacing panic with the ability to act.

The South Sioux City Fire Department is committed to improving community safety by expanding access to CPR education. The department offers CPR training and certification through the American Heart Association. Individuals and organizations interested in becoming certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) are encouraged to contact the department to schedule a class.

All training sessions are held at Memorial Hall and can be scheduled at a time convenient for your group. The cost per class is $170.

Learning CPR saves lives—your training could make the difference when seconds matter.

Contact Us

In this Department

More Information