Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. partnered with the FDNY Mobile CPR Training Outreach Unit and the Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association to host a CPR training event on October 13, 2026, at Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village. The program took place during the civic meeting but was open to the public.

 “In a real emergency, the most important step is taking action—because CPR and AED use can make the difference between a tragedy and a rescue,” Addabbo said. “I thank the FDNY for bringing this training to our community and helping neighbors learn how to respond with confidence.”

The training featured interactive, non-certification instruction designed for everyday citizens and focused on the immediate actions that can help someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

Attendees received step-by-step guidance for responding effectively, including how to check for responsiveness by tapping both shoulders and asking “Are you OK?”; calling 911 immediately; and retrieving an automated external defibrillator (AED) quickly.

The FDNY Instructors were Diana Wilson, Angela Jones, and Pierre Laloi.

Wilson reinforced the message that time matters. “How many minutes before the brain starts to die off? Four to six minutes.” Wilson also highlighted the importance of safety at the start. “You are safe. Once you realize that you’re safe, everybody take both your hands, start tapping those shoulders.”

The session also covered the hands-only CPR technique, including the correct hand placement in the center of the chest, compressing to the appropriate depth and rate, and continuing compressions without mouth-to mouth rescue breaths when the rescuer is not trained. FDNY also demonstrated AED operation, including how modern AEDs provide vocal guidance and how rescuers and bystanders should stay clear of the person during a shock.

Chest compressions help circulate remaining oxygen to the brain and vital organs. Target compressions are about 100–120 per minute and roughly 2 inches deep. Immediate action increases the chance of survival until professionals arrive. The presenters used mannequins featuring only head and torso to demonstrate the CPR procedure.

If the person does seem to wake up, the helper should turn them on their side, known as the recovery position, so they do not choke on any fluids coming out of their mouth, then roll them back over and continue CPR if they become unresponsive again. Although chest compressions can sometimes lead to broken ribs, the prevention of brain damage or death takes precedent over any other injury and as long as helpers follow the above mentioned four steps they are protected from legal action by the Good Samaritan Law, according to Wilson.

Participants remained engaged after the training and asked questions. Senator Addabbo thanked the FDNY Mobile CPR Training Outreach Unit, Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association, and Our Lady of Hope for helping facilitate the event and support a stronger, better-prepared community.