by Catie Ballenger, American Red Cross
It’s difficult to put into the words the importance of having CPR and AED training. Here’s some National CPR and AED Awareness Week vocabulary and facts to help you try.
Common Terminology
a set of clinical algorithms for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, myocardia infarction, and other life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies.
the process in which air is forced into the lungs.
a device that measures an unresponsive person’s rhythms and delivers an electronic shock to the individual in attempt to restart the heartbeat.
the phase of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiac care that either (1) prevents circulatory or respiratory arrest or insufficiency by prompt recognition and early intervention or by early entry into the emergency care system or both; or (2) externally supports the circulation and respiration of a patient in cardiac arrest through CPR.
the constellation of emergency procedures needed to ensure a person’s immediate survival, including CPR, control of bleeding, treatment of shock and poisoning, stabilization of injuries and/or wounds, and basic first aid.
the manual application of chest compressions and ventilations to patients in cardiac arrest, done in an effort to maintain viability until advanced help arrives. This procedure is an essential component of basic life support (BLS), basic cardiac life support (BCLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).
sudden and often unexpected stoppage of effective heart action.
CPR without rescue breaths.
(previously known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) is a life-saving intervention in which you blow air into a person’s mouth after they stop breathing. It is often used with chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but can also be used on its own if the person’s heart is still beating.
FAQ
Sudden cardiac arrest claims thousands of lives every year.
Knowing when and how to perform CPR and use an AED can make the difference between life and death for someone suffering cardiac arrest. Whether you want to be able to help keep your loved ones safe or help someone in your workplace, or use your training professionally, Red Cross can give you the knowledge and skills to be able to help.
The Red Cross recommends that households, businesses and schools receive training in CPR and proper use of an AED. This training can give them the knowledge and confidence to respond during an emergency situation with skills that can help save a life.
Classes are held throughout the year. The Red Cross offers several different opportunities to receive training. One is to attend in-person classes held at convenient locations with hands-on training from experienced instructors. Online and blended (combining hands-on training with online content) simulation learning offerings are also available. Sign up for a course here.