National CPR and AED Awareness Week - June 1- 7, 2018 - aims to raise awareness and increase the number of people who perform CPR in cardiac arrest emergencies. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States. About 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. That's why this year, the American Heart Association (AHA) -the world's leading voluntary organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke - is highlighting the importance of bystander CPR.
When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby. According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival.
Nashville native, Tiffany Sweeney knows the importance of bystander intervention all too well. While on vacation with her family, Tiffany suffered a cardiac arrest swimming in a pool with her 11-year old son. Her son pulled her from the pool and alerted the family. Bystanders performed CPR on Tiffany, which saved her life. Watch her story here.
"Tiffany's powerful story illustrates that every second counts in cardiac arrest. Bystanders are absolutely critical in a cardiac arrest emergency. They start the American Heart Association's out-of-hospital chain of survival by calling 9-1-1 and then providing early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions," said Kristin Palmer, AHA communications director. "What if it were your mom or dad, your husband or wife, your sister or brother, or your friend who was having a cardiac arrest? You would want to know what to do. So, if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, don't be afraid, your actions can only help."
Only about 46 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help that they need before professional help arrives. Many Americans don't perform CPR because they don't know what to do or they are afraid of hurting the person. To help increase the likelihood of people performing CPR in an emergency, the Association recommends Hands-Only CPR, which has two easy steps. Step 1: Call 911. Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.
In 2007, the American Heart Association, in coalition with the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council, worked collaboratively to federally designate a National CPR and AED Awareness Week, which happens the first seven days of June each year.
In 2009, the American Heart Association launched a nationwide Hands-Only CPR campaign to raise awareness about this life-saving skill. The campaign is supported nationally by an educational grant from the Anthem Foundation. Since 2012, nearly 10.1 million people have been trained in Hands-Only CPR via events, training kiosks and video education with the Anthem Foundation's support. Starting in 2017, the American Heart Association partnered with leading organizations in the field of cardiac arrest to form the National Cardiac Arrest Collaborative, with the goal of promoting how to help in a cardiac arrest emergency.
Additional Resources:
? Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR
? Download free materials to help celebrate CPR and AED Awareness Week at www.heart.org/CPRWeek
