Be prepared: Learn CPR from Parkview LaGrange Hospital's EMS team this year
LAGRANGE, Ind. – Feb. 12, 2026 – During American Heart Month, Parkview LaGrange Hospital (PLH) is reminding area residents that learning CPR is a simple, important way to be prepared in case of a cardiac emergency.
CPR is an easy-to-learn skill that could help save a life when medical assistance is not immediately at hand. Since 2022, Parkview LaGrange’s EMS team has been offering quarterly classes of the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver CPR, and classes are available again in 2026.
Classes will be held at the EMS station, 0982 N. 00 EW, LaGrange, just west of the CVS, on these dates:
- Tuesday, March 17, from 9 to 11 a.m.
- Thursday, June 25, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Participants have praised the class for providing great training, clear answers and confidence to provide aid in a crisis.
Why should you learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)? In only two hours, you can be prepared for a cardiac emergency. Consider these facts from the American Heart Association:
- In a year, 436,000 Americans die from a cardiac arrest.
- More than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen away from a hospital, many in places where no AED (automated external defibrillator) is readily available.
- If someone on the scene starts CPR right away, the chances the victim will survive can double or triple.
- Only around 40% of people who have a cardiac arrest outside the hospital receive needed CPR from a bystander in the precious minutes before professional first responders arrive.
In a heart attack, accident or drowning situation, every second counts because when a person’s heart stops beating, their brain is deprived of oxygen.
“If someone on the scene knows CPR, they can begin chest compressions immediately to get the person’s blood circulating again until our EMS team or other first responders arrive,” said Logan Ison, EMS manager for Parkview LaGrange and Parkview Noble hospitals. “The more area residents who know CPR, the better the chances that a life can be saved.”
Instructors will help participants become familiar with the technique for performing CPR on someone whose heart has stopped beating. Participants will practice on training manikins, so class size is limited to 10 people per session to ensure everyone gets to practice. In addition, basic first aid is covered in the class.
Anyone age 13 or older may participate. The cost for the class is $20 per person, paid at the time of the class. Participants will receive American Heart Association certification in the form of an official CPR card, delivered electronically, and a CPR pocket mask. This mask reduces the risk of disease transmission while rescue breaths are being performed by creating a barrier between the rescuer and the victim.
CPR pocket masks are being provided thanks to a partnership between the PLH EMS team and the LaGrange County Health Department. This partnership is possible through the Health First Indiana initiative, which enables health departments across the state to work toward improving health outcomes by supporting public health services.
Pre-registration is required. Visit www.Parkview.com/CPR or call 260-347-8194 for information and to register. Registration must be completed no later than five days ahead of the class date.
