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Learn CPR and Help Make a Difference!
According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital, but statistics prove that if more people knew Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), more lives could be saved. The Irving Fire Department wants to emphasize the importance of knowing how to perform CPR.
The use of CPR dates all the way back to 1740, yet even today, most Americans don’t know how to perform it. Given properly and immediately to sudden cardiac arrest victims CPR can save lives. The purpose of CPR is to keep the heart pumping and provide a continuous flow of oxygen to the lungs and brain until emergency care arrives.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest occurs when there is an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Breathing will also cease as well, although it may not stop completely for several minutes. Without a supply of oxygen, the cells in the body start to die. Brain cells are incredibly sensitive; after about 4 to 5 minutes with no oxygen, brain cells will begin dying, leading to brain damage and death.
The use of CPR dates all the way back to 1740, yet even today, most Americans don’t know how to perform it. Given properly and immediately to sudden cardiac arrest victims CPR can save lives. The purpose of CPR is to keep the heart pumping and provide a continuous flow of oxygen to the lungs and brain until emergency care arrives.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest occurs when there is an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Breathing will also cease as well, although it may not stop completely for several minutes. Without a supply of oxygen, the cells in the body start to die. Brain cells are incredibly sensitive; after about 4 to 5 minutes with no oxygen, brain cells will begin dying, leading to brain damage and death.
CPR Training
Make a Difference
According to the American Heart Association, 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home. Do you know what to do if a family member or friend suddenly goes into cardiac arrest and collapses?
Hands-Only CPR, performed by a bystander on teens and adults, has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR for cardiac arrests that occur at home, work or in public. There are only two steps to remember when performing Hands-Only CPR:
- Call 911
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
Why Learn CPR?
Cardiac arrests are more common than you think.
- More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S.
- Almost 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die.
- Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.
- Immediate CPR can double, or even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.
For more information about the importance of knowing how to perform CPR and to view more instructional videos, visit www.handsonlycpr.org or www.heart.org