Philadelphia's first hands-only CPR kiosk arrives in Center City

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- It's going to be easier than ever in Philadelphia to learn the life-saving basics of CPR.

In the event of cardiac arrest, the faster CPR is started, the better the chances are that the person will survive.

Some cities now have kiosks to teach people how to do hands-only CPR. Philadelphia is now getting its first one just steps away from Independence Hall.

The American Heart Association just installed the kiosk at the Independence Visitor Center, but you don't have to be a visitor to go through the free 2-minute training.

It walks users through all the steps to learn CPR and you can do it again and again, so you'll be ready in case of a cardiac arrest.

"Just being familiar, touching it, feeling, knowing what pushing down means. Knowing what to do - calling 911 first before you start. And then trying to help someone - it works," said Dr. Mather from the American Heart Association.

Many of the Heart Association kiosks around the country are in airports, but in Philadelphia, the visitor center was the perfect fit to reach the most people.

"We attract over 2 and a half million people a year - we get locals as well. And a lot of times, people have extra time," said James Cuorarto, President of the Independence Visitors Center.

Officials hope young and old, and even overseas visitors will take advantage of the training. Employees of the center are also being encouraged to use it.

"One of the folks on our staff did it yesterday, and scored a hundred, so he's very happy," said Corrado.

Hands-only CPR helps keep the blood circulating and 911 should also be called right away. If there's an AED, or automatic external defibrilator, nearby that will also greatly impact the chances of survival.

A study from Denmark shows bystander CPR not only helped with survival, but it also cut the risk of brain damage and disability.

The Heart Association is hoping to get sponsors to put more kiosks out in Philadelphia.

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