We've all heard the term 'when every second counts' be applied to multiple aspects of our everyday lives. But when it comes to knowing how and when to administer CPR, 'seconds' may be the only difference between life and death.
Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating or beats too inefficiently to properly circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. Each year, more than 350,000 Americans will suffer such an event, and sadly, only 11 percent will survive. More than 70 percent of these events happen somewhere other than a hospital ~ and tend to frequently happen at home ~ where only 40 percent will receive the immediate attention and life-saving skills that only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can provide.
If you should witness someone collapse without warning, here are three (3) very simple and immediate steps to aid in their life-saving attempt:
(1) Call 911
(2) Start CPR
(3) Get an AED, if available
Time is definitely of the essence... DO NOT DELAY taking any of these three (3) actions and calling 911 is an immediate first step. If trained, you will immediately jump into action and begin high-quality chest compressions to get the blood pumping to the brain and other vital organs. If help is available, ask for it, and don't forget to ask for an AED ASAP. These compressions, at a rate of about 100-120 per minute, can easily be accomplished, but are only good for the first couple of minutes. Adding in two breaths every 30 compressions provides additional oxygen directly to the lungs and to other organs as well. If not properly trained, do as best you can until help or other Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive and can take over. That's why it's crucial to recognize such an event and call for emergency help ASAP.
It's very common today to find AEDs wherever people gather: At schools, workplaces, malls, stadiums and other such venues, and the sooner one is used, the greater the chance of survival. Again, seconds DO count, and that's why mixing in an AED with CPR enhances survivability 'when every second counts.'
Most of all, don't be afraid to jump into action, trained or not... CPR and AED classes are inexpensive and can usually be found through an online search for classes near you. Remember: Someone's loved one's life may depend on your responsive actions ~ especially if that someone's loved one belongs to you. So Don't Delay ~ Get Trained Today.