Car seat safety and hands-only CPR event returns to Otay Ranch Town center in July

Families in Chula Vista will have another opportunity this summer to learn lifesaving skills as the Chula Vista Fire Department continues its ongoing Car Seat Safety and Hands-Only CPR community training program, offered twice monthly at rotating city locations.

The next event is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Otay Ranch Town Center, 21015 Birch Road, near the former Macy’s and Panera Bread area. Fire personnel will provide free car seat safety inspections and hands-only CPR instruction, offering residents practical training designed to improve emergency response in everyday situations.

The department’s Safety & Education program emphasizes the importance of proper child passenger safety, noting that car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death and injury for children ages 1 to 13. Officials stress that using the correct car seat and installing it properly are critical steps in reducing risk.

The program follows a simple framework: finding the right car seat, installing it correctly, and ensuring children remain properly secured on every trip. Firefighters and trained staff assist caregivers on site by inspecting installations, identifying common mistakes, and demonstrating correct techniques.

“We can help you install your car seat for FREE,” the department notes, highlighting that the sessions are intended to make safety education accessible without cost or appointments.

Chula Vista Fire Captain and Public Information Officer Christopher Kastelic said improper installation remains one of the most frequent issues firefighters encounter during inspections.

“Not following the instructions for their specific model,” Kastelic said, describing the most common mistake parents make. He added that correct installation directly affects performance in a crash. “Installation is critical to the performance of the car seat.”

Alongside child passenger safety checks, firefighters will also provide hands-only CPR training, a simplified technique designed to help bystanders respond immediately during cardiac emergencies. Officials said the method can be learned in minutes and can significantly improve survival outcomes when administered before first responders arrive.

“It is a critical link in the chain of survival,” Kastelic said.

The fire department emphasizes that bringing training into public spaces is key to increasing participation. By hosting events in accessible, high-traffic locations, officials aim to reach families who might not otherwise attend formal safety classes.

“This happens regularly,” Kastelic said, noting that firefighters often respond to emergencies where bystander CPR has already made a difference before paramedics arrive.

He also pointed out how quickly the basics can be learned. “Fifteen minutes,” he said.

Ultimately, officials hope participants leave with confidence in their ability to act during emergencies involving both children and adults.

“Comfort in performing bystander CPR,” Kastelic said, describing the primary takeaway of the program.

The Car Seat Safety and Hands-Only CPR events are held twice monthly at rotating locations, including Otay Ranch Town Center and the Chula Vista Shopping Center, with additional dates listed online through the department’s Safety & Education program.