Save a Life: Get Hands On and Learn Hands-Only CPR
No one likes feeling helpless, unable to assist in a time of crisis.
Realistically, we can’t save everyone but, armed with simple knowledge, we can save a life. Yes, “we” — meaning you and me.
According to the American Heart Association, every day 800 people suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. In other words, their hearts stop beating. Without CPR, they have less than a 10 percent chance of survival. Terrible odds for certain.
But CPR administered to the victims of sudden cardiac arrest can more than double, even triple, their chances of survival.
I’m going to stop here for a minute so we can have a “let’s get real” moment. Ready, set, here I go.
Honestly, how many of you would REALLY give CPR to a person you believe is need of immediate attention? And what would stop you from doing so?
Would it be fear? Tell the truth. Does the thought of giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to anyone, other than an extremely close relative, gives you the creeps? And do you fear you might be exposed to Swine Flu or some other more permanent malady? Or maybe you think that you can’t do CPR well enough to actually save a life?
Got it. I’m here to tell you that you no longer have an excuse not act..Sorry.
The American Heart Association has teamed up with the Ad Council to create instructional videos and a comprehensive website that demonstrates and promotes Hands-Only CPR.
That’s right. Hands-Only CPR. No mouth-to-mouth. Two steps: 1) You call 9-1-1. 2) You push hard and fast in the center of the victim’s chest until professional help arrives.
Simple, effective and saves lives.
Got an iPhone or iPod Touch, a Blackberry, PalmPre or the Android (Google)? Well they’ve got an app for that.
Finally, I can tell you that Hands Only CPR movement is important to me because I recently lost a family friend because of sudden cardiac arrest but the truth is my passion stems from the simple fact that every life is precious — the ones that I know and the ones that I will never meet.
I’ve said enough. Watch the videos. Check out the website. Empower yourself to save a life.
