A new program developed by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical helps families and neighbors learn the core skills of CPR in less than half an hour. NHW groups can use the training kit—which also includes information about AEDs—to refresh their skills and educate new members.

The CPR Anytime for Family and Friends Personal Learning Program uses a unique "watch and do" method where users practice CPR on an inflatable manikin (Mini Anne) while watching these skills being taught and performed on a DVD.

Research shows that those using CPR Anytime performed the core skills of adult and child CPR as well as students in a traditional Heartsaver CPR course. CPR Anytime users performed equally well when using the kit on their own or in a facilitated group.

CPR Anytime for Family and Friends can be purchased for $29.95 (plus s&h) by calling 1-877-AHA-4CPR or logging on to www.shopcpranytime.org.