The Leon County EMS teamed up with other health organizations to host the 2012 "Press the Chest" seminar.

It's an event held to teach people about CPR and ways to handle emergencies.

More than 100 people attended the event at the Civic Center.

They got to interact with manikins and learn how properly perform CPR manuevers.

"It's changed from when I was younger when they taught it back in school, so it's just good to see the new techniques and get updated on it," said Nick Williams, who attended the event.

"I'm glad I did it because I can help a child or an adult and I want to be able to do it right," said Cheryl Marrs.

The interactive speech was fun and stirred a bit of laughter. But, Leon County EMS officials believe it's no laughing matter when someones in need of help.

"This event was really meant to get that message out there, to let everybody know that they can be part of the chain of survival," said Stephen Suarez, Leon County EMS.

Suarez hosted the free event and demonstrated CPR techniques needed for all ages.

"The main thing is to push fast and push hard on the chest, whether it's an adult, a child or an infant, push hard, push fast," Suarez said.

Nathaniel Muse found out about the event and signed his family up.

He now feels more confident in he and his grandchildren's ability to be prepared for an emergency.

"The message I'm taking up with is that training is important in every aspect of life," Muse said.

Leon County EMS data shows that CPR is performed only 20 percent of the time by bystanders before EMS gets there.