LA-Based Recruiters Get ABCs of CPR

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (NNS) -- Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Los Angeles, Calif., completed Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training, March 24.

The Red Cross sponsored course, held over a two-week period in several locations throughout southern California, combined discussions, videos and hands-on training.

"We emphasize to our recruiters to plan their PT sessions carefully and establish contingencies in case of an emergency," said Senior Chief Navy Counselor Cristobal Ascencios. "Being CPR qualified is a logical step."

The CPR training is the second phase of a three-phase initiative designed to better equip recruiters who are charged with the well-being of future Sailors and potential officer candidates.

"The first phase of this initiative was showing our recruiters the correct way to conduct physical training (PT)," said Ascencios, NRDLA command trainer. "We went to the gym and broke down our PT, step by step."

"The training at the gym was great," said Navy Counselor First Class Felicia Chavez. "We stressed the importance of performing the exercises properly to help alleviate injuries. These exercises are ones our Future Sailors will see when they get to boot camp; it's important to give them a sound foundation to do the exercises properly."

The final phase will stress the importance of proper nutrition.

"Our PT is just one part, teaching our future Sailors about eating right can help them in maintaining a proper body weight." said Chief Damage Controlman Lisa Jack, NRD LA's command fitness coordinator. "We see the results of the sedentary lifestyle of today's youth and we think that giving them the facts on nutrition, along with promoting exercise will help them make good lifestyle decisions."

For more news from Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrd-la/.