Hicksville, New York — The Telugu Association of North America (TANA) New York Chapter successfully conducted a comprehensive CPR and AED certification training program on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the AsaMai Hindu Temple in Hicksville. The community-focused initiative aimed to equip local families with life-saving emergency skills, drawing enthusiastic participation from residents eager to learn critical cardiac response techniques.
The training program brought together community members from across the New York metropolitan area who recognized the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. Participants learned essential techniques for responding to sudden cardiac arrest, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually across the United States.
Xavier University School of Medicine extended crucial support to make the training program possible, demonstrating institutional commitment to public health education. The partnership reflected a broader effort to democratize access to life-saving medical knowledge within the Telugu and South Asian diaspora communities.
The hands-on training covered high-quality CPR skills for adults, children, and infants, along with proper AED device operation in emergency situations. Instructors also addressed choking relief techniques and coordination strategies when working with other responders in critical situations.
The event highlighted TANA's ongoing mission to strengthen community resilience through health and wellness initiatives. Temple officials emphasized that such programs reinforce cultural values of mutual support and collective safety within extended family networks.
Community members praised the accessible format and qualified instruction, noting that previous CPR training opportunities often lacked cultural sensitivity or community-specific outreach. The February 7 session filled a significant gap in health literacy across the local Telugu population.
Upcoming CPR certification opportunities remain available across the New York region through multiple providers, with American Red Cross and American Heart Association courses offered regularly for those unable to attend the TANA event. Community members interested in certification should explore local training schedules through established medical institutions and community organizations.
Key Facts
• The CPR and AED certification training took place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at AsaMai Hindu Temple, 80 E Barclay Street, Hicksville, NY 11801
• Xavier University School of Medicine provided major institutional support for the training program, enhancing credibility and professional instruction standards
• The program targeted adult, child, and infant CPR techniques along with AED operation and choking relief procedures for comprehensive emergency preparedness
The event underscored growing recognition within South Asian communities that medical knowledge should be accessible, culturally aware, and community-driven. Sudden cardiac arrest response requires immediate action, and training programs like TANA's initiative ensure more community members can act confidently in emergencies.
Do You Know?
Immediate CPR can double or triple the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest victims, making community training programs genuinely life-saving investments. According to the American Heart Association, every minute without CPR decreases survival chances by approximately 10 percent, making quick community response essential.
Key Terms
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Emergency technique combining chest compressions and rescue breathing to maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery when the heart stops beating
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator): Portable electronic device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers electrical shocks to restore normal heartbeat during cardiac emergencies
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Abrupt loss of heart function occurring without warning, requiring immediate intervention to prevent death or permanent organ damage
• BLS (Basic Life Support): Foundational emergency care training covering CPR, AED usage, and choking relief for healthcare and community responders
Asia91 Original