Life-Changing & Life-Saving: CPR Kits and Programs
Baltimore County Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The 21st-century library is more than books on a shelf. It is a community hub that connects residents with life-saving resources, and for Baltimore County families, that includes access to CPR training kits. In 2023, Baltimore County Public Library added CPR kits to our Library of Things. The 13 kits, donated by the Baltimore Ravens in partnership with the Baltimore County Fire Department, provide CPR training instructions and resources to equip community members with the tools needed to learn this life-saving intervention. Each kit is equipped with a manikin and training video. Making training and learning tools accessible was just one part of our campaign to improve the well-being of community members. We also worked with the Baltimore County Fire Department, who provided Hands-Only CPR training at 12 branches and on our bookmobile, the latter focusing on our older adult community members.
Challenge/Opportunity
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States according to the American Heart Association, with over 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually—nearly 90% of which are fatal. Early intervention by bystanders is crucial for survival, and the American Heart Association promotes hands-only CPR as a life-saving skill that anyone can learn and perform, regardless of certification. This initiative aligns with the library’s strategic goal of enhancing health literacy and fostering a more informed and empowered Baltimore County. By offering diverse learning opportunities—such as checking out CPR kits for home practice or receiving instruction from the Fire Department at local branches—the project effectively addresses various needs and learning styles, ensuring broader community engagement and preparedness.
Key Elements of Innovation
In 2023, Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after a hit during Monday Night Football. His survival was largely credited to the fast actions of the athletic training staff, starting CPR to restart his heart. This was a wake-up call to the NFL and communities across the US. When the Baltimore Ravens reached out to us about this partnership, we knew we have the unique ability to connect the community with life-saving resources, like CPR kits, for free and in an organized manner. Making CPR kits available for checkout has allowed customers to learn individually and in groups. For example, we have heard that community book clubs have used the kits as part of their meetings. This private-public partnership brought together vital information and showed the power of reach we have when organizations like the Ravens, the Fire Department and the library come together for community good.
Achieved Outcomes
Twelve branches and one bookmobile hosted Hands-Only CPR training facilitated by the Baltimore County Fire Department. In total, 172 people learned this life-saving technique in the first round of training. Since then, the Fire Department has participated in a variety of BCPL events, including a health fair at the Rosedale Branch. The press conference that debuted this partnership drew wide media attention, including local TV stations and newspapers, and the word quickly spread across social media. To date, the kits have circulated 128 times and there are currently holds on the kits.
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