Learn Hands-On CPR During February

The American Heart Association encourages the public to “Be the Beat” and act in cardiac emergencies to help save lives

During February – American Heart Month – the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, is urging at least one person in every household to commit to learning Hands-Only CPR. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of the death in the United States. This year’s American Heart Month activities are designed to help motivate people to “Be the Beat” needed to keep someone alive by learning the two simple steps it takes to save a life – call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

According to American Heart Association data, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival – which is key since about 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. And, because about 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, odds are the person who needs CPR will be a family member or friend[1]. Hands-Only CPR is quick and simple to learn and can be performed by any family member or bystanders.

“If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of a loved one: a spouse, a parent, grandparent, child or a friend,” said Beth Keyser, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana.

“We are excited to support the American Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR campaign and bring awareness to the importance of knowing CPR this Heart Month. We encourage people to be prepared for a cardiac emergency by learning Hands-Only CPR to help save lives.”

 For the full article, see this week’s edition of the Parke County Sentinel.