HAMPTON ROADS — The Hampton and Peninsula Health District has announced it is hosting free CPR and AED trainings in the area provided by the Compress & Shock Foundation.
The Compress & Shock Foundation is a physician-led nonprofit organization that works closely with HPHD and the Peninsula Medical Reserve Corps to provide hands-on CPR and AED training, focusing on how to respond to drowning incidents.
“Virginia has seen a spike in child drowning deaths this summer,” says HPHD’s Health District Director, Dr. Natasha Dwamena. “It is vital to maintain skills that can save a life, including CPR and knowledge of how and when to use an AED. Therefore, HPHD is partnering with several of the localities we serve to offer free trainings to the community.”
As of July 21, 10 children under the age of five have died in swimming pool drownings in 2025 according to HPHD.
“According to the American Heart Association, anyone removed from the water with no signs of normal breathing or consciousness should be assumed to be in cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating. This is why it is critical for bystanders to have knowledge of CPR, it is a life-saving technique that can double or triple a person’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest,” said Tes La Dieu, Hampton and Peninsula Health District Public Information Officer.
There are several things that families and guardians can do to prevent drowning, but it is equally important to know how to respond and provide life-saving measures in the event of drowning, HPHD said. During the hour-long training, participants will be exposed to 20 minutes of lecture-based education and 40 minutes of hands-on practice.
“The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) want to support and empower our community to protect one another. Offering free Compress & Shock classes is one strategy we can employ to ensure our community is equipped with the knowledge needed to save lives, whether it is from drowning or another cardiac event,” La Dieu added.
The classes are free and open to anyone 13 years old or older. This particular class does not include a certification.
Three trainings are planned in the area:
- Thursday, Aug. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Poquoson Parks & Rec Building
Registration link: compressandshock.org/event-details/mrc-poquoson
- Friday, Aug. 15, 4-5 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Registration link: hcompressandshock.org/event-details/mrc-james-city-county-rec-center
- Tuesday, Aug. 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Stryker Center
Registration link: compressandshock.org/event-details/mrc-stryker-center
Registration is not required but recommended.
For more information, visit compressandshock.org.