Caregiver Support Program provides CPR training to Veterans’ caregivers

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests (which differ from heart attacks) occur outside of a hospital every year. But there’s hope for surviving one.

Immediate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple the chances of survival. VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) teams across the country are equipping caregivers with CPR training to increase successful outcomes for Veterans who experience cardiac arrest.

CSP teams partner with VA to provide CPR classes

Dan Hawks, nurse and clinical assessor at Butler VA, has facilitated CPR training for caregivers of Veterans for years. Recently, Hawks partnered with VA firemen to administer training during a Caregiver and Family Resource Fair. Following the training, each participant received a take-home CPR kit. 

“Ongoing CPR practice is as critical as initial training. The goal is for caregivers to continue to practice the skills they learned in class so they can take immediate action during an emergency,” Hawks said.

Western New York VA’s CSP team in Buffalo hosted two in-person CPR events for caregivers in March. The team will continue to offer courses to interested caregivers enrolled in CSP’s Program of General Caregiver Support Services or Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) in the future.

“There’s been a recent spark of interest in skills associated with CPR,” said Stephanie Anzalone, program manager. “Our team saw the spark as an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of CPR and partnered with our local Education Department to provide the training to caregivers. Soon, some of our staff will also be certified to conduct the training.”

CSP envisions large-scale access to CPR training at local sites. The program is partnering with VA’s Office of Voluntary Service to increase the number of sites offering the training.

In addition to the training provided by local teams, CSP is partnering with the Red Cross to develop a CPR training video that will soon be available on CSP’s national website.

“Our partnership with the Red Cross is the beginning of an initial training plan to offer CPR certification to every Veteran’s caregiver,” said Dr. Colleen M. Richardson, CSP executive director. “We will continue to enhance the resources we offer caregivers, giving them the necessary skills they need to potentially save a life.”

Caregivers of Veterans can learn about CPR training opportunities offered through VA by contacting their local CSP team. 

About the Caregiver Support Program

The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) promotes the health and well-being of Veterans’ caregivers through education, resources, support and services. Every VA facility has a CSP team that provides valuable information about resources to help caregivers stay informed and supported as they support Veterans. Contact your CSP team to learn about the resources available. To learn about CSP and specific aspects of the program, watch CSP’s SITREP podcast.