Photo courtesy American Red Cross
National CPR & AED Awareness Week is June 1–7, a reminder from the American Red Cross about the importance of learning lifesaving skills. Each year, over 350,000 people in the U.S. suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, and about 90% do not survive. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating due to abnormal electrical activity. In these emergencies, every second counts.
CPR and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) can make the difference between life and death. Immediate CPR from a bystander can nearly double a person’s chance of survival. AEDs are easy to use, even for those without medical training. These devices check the heart’s rhythm and guide the user with voice prompts and lights. If a shock is needed, the AED will advise it — and it won’t shock if it isn’t necessary.
“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time without warning,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Greater Kansas. “For each minute that defibrillation is delayed, the person’s chance for survival is reduced by about 7-10%. Red Cross training can give you the skills and confidence to act in an emergency.”
The Red Cross trained more than 4.5 million people last year in First Aid, CPR, and AED use. Getting trained builds the confidence and skills needed to respond when moments matter most.
