BROWN CITY — Seconds count when a life is on the line, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR can make all of the difference.

The Brown City Fire Department will be hosting a free CPR course on March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Brown City Fire Hall.

Fire Chief Jim Groat said CPR, an emergency procedure using a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths in the event of cardiac arrest, is an easy life-saving technique that should be common knowledge.

“Everyone should know CPR,” he said. “Our (CPR) cards are going to expire, and we thought we’d offer it to the public.”

He said the class, presented by Sanilac County Medical Control, will explain CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator.

Groat said knowing the proper rhythm of breaths and compressions is critical.

“Chest compressions are becoming more important than the breaths,” he said. “It keeps the blood going to the brain.”

He said people also should carry a CPR face mask in their car to protect themselves and the victim during rescue breathing.

The class is at least two hours long.

— Cathy Barringer