Hands-Only CPR — Anyone can do it. Everyone should!
Each year, more than 350,000 EMS-assessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. Hands-Only CPR, a simple skill that you can learn in 90 seconds from your home or workplace to help save lives. When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby.
The opportune time to learn Hands-Only CPR is during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, which is June 1-7. We’re pleased to support the American Heart Association’s efforts to observe this important week, which spotlights how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR and how to use an AED.
About 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes. If you’re called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love. Now more than ever, it’s important to learn Hands-Only CPR, as many people are staying at home and working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. If a cardiac arrest occurs at home, then a household member is likely to be the rescuer.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. Within seconds a person becomes unresponsive, is not breathing or is only gasping. According to the AHA, 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.
Hands-Only CPR has just two easy steps, performed in this order below.
- Step 1: Call 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse
- Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute
It is absolutely critical to call 911 for cardiac emergencies such as an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Calling 911 immediately is still your best chance of surviving or saving a life. Emergency workers know what to do. And emergencies don’t stop during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In just 90 seconds, you can learn the two simple steps of Hands-Only CPR. Click here to watch the Hands-Only CPR video. Please watch the video any day June 1-7. Then share the link with family and friends.
Thank you for learning how to save a life!
