Since June 1-8 is National CPR Awareness Week, it's a great time to spread the word about how important CPR training is. In the United States, there are more than 300,000 abrupt cardiac arrests that happen outside of hospitals.
Unfortunately, the majority of people who experience a sudden cardiac arrest do not receive vital CPR within the first 3-5 minutes of their attack. Until aid, such as an AED or emergency medical personnel, arrives, hands-only CPR, which involves forceful, rapid compressions in the center of the chest, keeps the blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other essential organs. We can save more lives if more individuals are trained in Hands-On CPR.
A family in Council Bluffs is aware of the significance of knowing CPR. When his daughter unexpectedly collapsed and stopped breathing, David Hyde, a captain and paramedic with the Council Bluffs Fire Department, knew exactly what to do. David applied chest compressions while his nursing wife, Pam, dialed 9-1-1. After going without breathing for more than a minute, Jordyn resumed breathing.
You don't need to be a qualified medical professional to administer Hands Only CPR; anyone 12 years of age or older has the physical strength to do so. Keep in mind that when someone collapses, your first action should be to dial 9-1-1.
After that, have someone check your breathing and go obtain an AED. Then, to the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive," push firmly and quickly in the center of the chest. Continue compressions until assistance arrives.
When Hands Only CPR is applied within the first three to five minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest, the victim's chances of survival are significantly increased. Would you know what to do if a loved one suffered a sudden heart arrest? Spend some time today learning Hands Only CPR.