The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the over-the-counter sale of defibrillators for home use. The device shocks the heart to restore rhythm in people who are experiencing cardiac arrest. Since more heart attacks occur in the home than at work or in the community, use of the device can save valuable time and prevent further damage to the heart before the arrival of EMS.

On October 9 the WomanPlus^® and 55PLUS^® membership programs of Methodist Healthcare will present “Pediatric CPR for Friends and Family.” The class, which meets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Methodist Women’s Center, will include training on home defibrillator use. Methodist Healthcare is the only organization in San Antonio selling defibrillators to the public as well as offering training on their use in both English and Spanish.

Cost for the class is $30 per person for WomanPlus^® and 55PLUS^® members and $45 per person for non-members. Checks should be made payable to Methodist Women’s Center and mailed to: Methodist Women’s Center, 8109 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229. Seating is limited, and registration is confirmed upon receipt of payment. For further information on the course, phone Methodist Women’s Center at 575-0261.

With advance notice we can arrange for a bilingual instructor to demonstrate defibrillator use. If you wish to cover the class, the defibrillator demonstration will be at 1 p.m. We also would appreciate your including information on this class in your calendar listings.

If you are interested in doing a story on any of these items, please phone Shirley Wills at 822-2378 or 365-4488 (cell) or JoAnn King, 575-0171 or 917-7916 (pager). For media assistance during the weekend, please phone Methodist Hospital, 575-4000, and ask for the public relations representative on call.