Session highlights importance of basic EMS skills ahead of National Preparedness Month 
DHS Secretary Napolitano and senior staff received EMS training from the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross today trained Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other DHS leaders on how to be prepared for and respond to medical emergencies until professional responders can get to the scene.
Red Cross instructors offered hands-on training to Secretary Napolitano and her top staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic first aid and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
"Emergency preparedness requires both large-scale planning and personal readiness," said Secretary Napolitano. "Learning these critical skills is fundamental to our preparedness efforts and the safety and security of all Americans when disasters strike."
The training session for Napolitano and others on her staff, including Dr. Alexander Garza, DHS Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, followed a similar training last week for Jane Holl Lute and about 20 others senior DHS staff. Napolitano and her staff took the training in advance of September's National Preparedness Month.
