According to the American Red Cross, close to 60 percent of Americans are wholly unprepared for a disaster of any kind, including medical emergencies. Fifty-four percent of Americans don't prepare — by having a family emergency plan, an emergency supply kit, and training in first aid and CPR) — because they believe a disaster will not affect them. However, 82 percent agree, "If someone could make it easy for me to be prepared, I'd do it".

Would you? If someone made it easy for you, would you learn to save a life?

If you answered yes, it's time you met Debbie McCabe and Jill Mueller, local nurses who are making first aid training accessible and fun.

As community health nurses, McCabe and Mueller understand that sometimes you have to take the training to the community, which is why they founded Safety Basics LLC and began offering a variety of CPR, AED (automated external defibrillator) and first aid courses, including at home "Catch the Adult Beat!" CPR parties. Instead of learning to "burp" Tupperware, you lean to resuscitate Annie.

"The home party atmosphere works best with a group of at least six people," McCabe said, explaining that company has a six person minimum. "We want to make sure that each party guest receives a lot of personalized attention and leaves feeling confident in their life-saving skill."

Following American Heart Association guidelines, certified instructors teach guests how to perform compression-only CPR for adults, how to use the abdominal thrust technique to aid someone who is choking, and how to use an automated external defibrillator or AED machine.

"The instruction portion of the evening takes at least 45 minutes and costs $10 per person," explained McCabe.

Of course, no party is complete without socialization and snacks.

"We can send heart healthy recipes to the hostess in advance of the party and talk about good nutrition, too." McCabe said.

If you're still unsure, consider the advice of Gina Joly, a former coordinator of the American Red Cross - St. Louis Chapter's Lifesaver Awards.

"I've had the privilege of hearing many, stories about people saving lives thanks to their CPR and first aid training," Joly said.

Today, Joly serves as a Territory Sales Representative for the Health & Safety Services Division 7 of the American Red Cross - St. Louis Chapter, which means she sets up CPR and first aid training for businesses and organizations. It's a job she clearly loves.

"It's so important to be trained in CPR and to have access to an AED machine. Look around, you might be surprised by the number of AED machines you see," Joly said. She stressed that using an AED machine to 'shock" someone's heart is not as intimidating as it seems.

"For people who put off CPR and AED training out of fear, it's important to know that both procedures are relatively simple — and very empowering," Joly said. She added that compression-only CPR can be almost as effective as compression with rescue breathing when used on adults — opening the doors for greater CPR use and instruction.

Bruce M. Lowrie, M.D., of Des Peres Hospital, seconded the idea that everyone should learn how to perform CPR and the abdominal thrust technique.

"Minutes count, sometimes seconds count. Knowing how to do these maneuvers can help save a life," Dr. Lowrie said.

Other 'senior" safety tips from Dr. Bruce M. Lowrie

Never ignore the signs of a potential heart attack or stroke. Seek immediate assistance for:

• chest pain of any variety, especially when located in the middle to left-side of the chest and associated with shortness of breath
• any sudden onset of neurological deficit, especially if a numbness or weakness in extremities, or difficulty with speech or swallowing is present

Dress appropriately for winter weather. As we age, we become more susceptible to hypothermia, so staying warm is very important, especially for seniors.

Wear good footwear. Falls are a major concern for older adults, however, proper footwear can eliminate an unnecessary risk.

Exercise daily. Maintaining one's physical capacity is key to remaining healthy on many levels.

Get a flu shot. Everyone, regardless of age, should get a flu shot.

Bruce M. Lowrie, M. D. is a board certified physician in internal and geriatric medicine and member of the medical staff at Des Peres Hospital.