Learning CPR is an important goal to have for both you, your family and your community! When someone learns CPR, they are already ahead of the game when it comes to offering help and support to people that may experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Timing is Everything
If you give CPR in a timely manner, the victim has a much greater likelihood of surviving because of you. Of course, it would be a great feeling to have saved someone’s life, but even if they didn’t ultimately survive, you would know that you made your best effort to try and save someone. The worst thing to do when someone suffers a cardiac arrest is well, nothing. If EMS arrive and sees no one providing bystander care to that individual, they know there is not much chance that person will survive.
Brain Injury or Death
Did you know Brain injury begins at just four minutes of having a SCA if CPR is not started? Without oxygen to the brain, irreversible damage begins to occur, so a timely response is absolutely necessary. The average EMS response time is somewhere between 4-7 minutes (on a good day) so your response is necessary. Learning CPR ensures that you will know how to respond appropriately and quickly.
Your Efforts Count
A prompt response counts, that’s why a lay person or bystander intervention is so important. Bystander CPR is not something that takes the place of EMS, but is something to be done until EMS arrives in order to increase the chances of that person living. Your actions can make a significant impact and studies show that early care is crucial to survival.
You may save a family member’s life
Studies show that over 70% of all cardiac episodes happen at home, in your family or your place of residence. Knowing CPR will have a positive impact on the lives of the people you surround yourself with.
SCA in your community
People can have a SCA anywhere, from outdoor concerts where large crowds gather, to the sports field, or even in the grocery store. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and ready to apply your knowledge of CPR as fast and flawless as possible. Never be afraid to act fast and act first; most people think other people have more skills and will respond appropriately. Don’t be afraid to take charge of the situation and lend a hand – or two.
SCA in the workplace
Most of us spend 40 hours a week or more at work. It is highly likely that, at one point in your life, you may witness a colleague have a sudden cardiac arrest. Knowing CPR will help you create a safer work environment for all. Imagine if all employees were trained in CPR; why not be the one at your workplace that encourages this? A simple suggestion to management or HR could make this happen.
SCA in schools
According to the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) and their 2020 study, that tapped pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest data, it is estimated that there are over 23,000 youth under 18 years old stricken annually in the U.S. Many schools require teachers and students to complete a CPR class by the end of graduation so that, when an SCA event happens, everyone will be fully prepared, but not all.
You are the key
Knowing how to apply CPR skills to those in need, in an emergency situation can have a major impact on your community, family, workplace, schools and more. Implementing CPR right away could save a family member, or even a stranger's life. You hold the key to life in your own hands.
If you are interested in learning CPR, Starting Hearts offers training that can help you save a life. Sign up for a CPR class here: CLASSES
References:
https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-and-stroke-association-statistics
https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/03/27/15/34/state-requirements-for-automated-external-defibrillators
https://parentheartwatch.org/resources/incidence-of-sca-in-youth/
By Marlena Bontas, Starting Hearts Volunteer Blog Writer
