By Josh Egbert, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs
More than 350,000 cardiac arrest occur outside a hospital each year. That’s why it’s important to know how to recognize and what to do during a cardiac emergency.
February is National Heart Month, the perfect time to register for a CPR class because every second counts when someone is having a heart attack or in cardiac arrest.
“Having trained bystanders deliver lifesaving care saves lives,” said Paula Deegan, Regional Disaster Preparedness Manager for the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. ”Hands-Only CPR is compressions only, without rescue breaths and is still effective lifesaving.”
Studies have shown that teaching Hands-Only CPR greatly increases the bystander response rate because it just focuses on a few key basics. During the first five minutes of cardiac arrest, it is crucial to begin care. When individuals learn these skills, they learn to call 9-1-1 and jump into action to increase the person’s chance of survival while waiting for emergency responders.
“You never know the circumstances where you will encounter cardiac arrest and knowing how to respond will help you feel more comfortable in that stressful situation,” said Deegan.
Red Cross CPR/AED classes take just a few hours and are recommended for everyone including parents, grandparents, teachers and frontline workers.
“Red Cross preparedness programs allow individuals a safe space to think through their response to various hazards so that in the moment they will bel able to react without fear and help themselves and others,” said Deegan.
To request a Hands-Only CPR class for your group or organization, please reach out to preparecolorado@redcross.org or preparewyoming@redcross.org.
TRAINING A variety of online, in-person and blended courses are available. If you are taking a course to fulfill a job requirement, check with your employer, so you know exactly which course you need.
FIRST AID APP & SKILL Download the free Red Cross First Aid app for instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including how to perform CPR and use an AED. Those with Alexa-enabled devices can also activate the Red Cross First Aid Skill.
STOCK UP Be prepared for emergencies at home, at work and on the go. First aid kits, emergency preparedness kits and supplies are available through our online store.
Be prepared for the moments that matter.