Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition where the heart suddenly and unexpectedly spots beating. It is a leading cause of death in the United States with 350,000 Americans dying annually. This is more deaths than lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and AIDS combined. According to the American Heart Association, 70% of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they do not know CPR or their previous certification has lapsed. With 88% of sudden cardiac arrests occurring at home, it is vital family members know how to react! For every minute a victim of sudden cardiac arrest goes without CPR, they have a 10% decrease in survival. Therefore, if it takes the ambulance 6 minutes to arrive to your home, your loved one only have a 40% chance of survival. Learn hands-only CPR today in less than two minutes! A minute of your time could create a lifetime of memories.
- Step 1: Call 9-1-1
- If a teen or adult suddenly collapse, shake the person and shout, are you ok? If no response, send someone to call 9-1-1 and find an AED if available. If you are alone, call 9-1-1 yourself. Place your phone on speaker to answer the dispatcher's questions and begin CPR.
- Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest
- Place the victim on their back. Kneel beside the victim's chest. Position yourself directly over the victim. Keep your arms straight and begin compressions. HARD and FAST in the center of the chest! You will push 2 inches deep. You want to achieve 100 compressions per minute, which is the same temp as "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. Continue CRP until EMS arrives.
- Step 3: Use an AED, if available
- If an AED is available, turn the AED on and follow its instructions.
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