Raleigh, N.C. — Since the early 1960s, CPR training has helped many people become certified in the life-saving technique.

The American Heart Association is hoping to give more people a basic knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with the CPR Anytime kit.

The $30 kit includes a blow-up mannequin and DVD.

Dr. Bill Atkinson, president of WakeMed, wants to get the kits into more hands.

“Taking a 30-minute course with this kit and really sort of an introduction to CPR has almost the same impact as a full four-hour course that was used for many, many years,” said Atkinson, a former paramedic.

This month, WakeMed is offering CPR courses at its Raleigh campus on New Bern Avenue and at its Cary and Apex facilities. The 30-minute session costs $10, and participants will receive a free CPR Anytime kit.

CPR certification courses require about four hours of training, but Atkinson said he believes that if more people just learn the basics, more lives may be saved.

Former paramedic Walter Davis, 51, credits his wife’s CPR knowledge with saving his life.

“The fact that my wife was there and could start CPR absolutely saved my life,” Davis said.

Davis, of Raleigh, suffered cardiac arrest at his home in July 2007.

“I went to check on him and he was non-responsive,” Amy Davis said.

The 911 operator coached Amy Davis through CPR and sent a rescue squad to the home.

“I had had the class, the CPR training, and it just kind of kicked in – even though it had been several years,” Amy Davis said.