Cardiac emergencies can happen unexpectedly to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. These emergencies can lead to cardiac arrest, the sudden cessation of the heart's function. However, early recognition of cardiac arrest and prompt response with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use can significantly improve survival rates.
Bystander CPR is a crucial component in improving survival rates for cardiac arrest victims. Anyone can learn and perform CPR, and it can be a life-saving skill in emergencies. The HealthForce Training Center offers Heartsaver CPR training for individuals who may need to respond to medical emergencies in their personal or professional lives. Heartsaver CPR training teaches participants basic CPR techniques, including chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use.
HealthForce Training Center offers Basic Life Support (BLS) training for individuals working in healthcare or public safety professions. BLS training covers advanced CPR techniques, including advanced airway management, ventilation techniques, and team-based resuscitation efforts. This training is essential for healthcare providers, emergency responders, and others responsible for initiating advanced life support measures during medical emergencies.
Regardless of the type of CPR training, early recognition of cardiac arrest, early activation of emergency medical services (EMS), and immediate initiation of CPR and AED use are crucial in improving survival rates. CPR training teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to choking, as well as provide care for individuals with respiratory or cardiac emergencies.
Access to AEDs is equally important in improving survival rates during cardiac emergencies. AEDs are portable electronic devices that can analyze a victim's heart rhythm and provide an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm if needed. The AHA encourages public access to AEDs and promotes their widespread use.
Nicole Tetreault's story is a perfect example of how bystander CPR and AED use can save a life. In 2020, Nicole experienced a cardiac arrest while exercising at her gym in Alpharetta, Georgia. A bystander, Jen Boyer, a former cardiac nurse, immediately performed CPR while another bystander retrieved the gym's AED. With the use of the AED, Nicole's heart was restarted twice before paramedics arrived and administered two additional shocks, and continued CPR. Nicole was then taken to the hospital, where she received medical treatment.
Three days later, Nicole woke up in the hospital, and she eventually learned that she carried a rare genetic mutation called catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Her doctors advised her to have an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to prevent future cardiac arrests.
Nicole now speaks at CPR and AED lessons, sharing her story to inspire others to learn CPR and have access to AEDs. Her goal is to demonstrate to others their potential to succeed in a life-threatening circumstance. CPR training and AED access are crucial to improving survival rates during cardiac emergencies.
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We offer Heartsaver CPR AED courses in the following locations