Even as statewide restrictions start to ease from the COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans continue to spend most of their time at home. The odds of cardiac arrests in a home setting are likely to increase, according to the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives. Each year, June 1-7 is designated as National CPR and AED Awareness Week, educating and informing the public on the importance of learning these two simple steps that could save a life.
More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, with about 70% happening in homes. Fortunately, Hands-Only CPR can be performed by family or household members.
“Rather than waiting for first responders to arrive, family members performing immediate CPR in the case of cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s odds of survival,” said Meghan Gagorik, Development Director, American Heart Association. “If you are willing and able to do CPR, you should, as you can help save that person’s life.”
On Monday, June 7th, the American Heart Association hosted the Heart of NEPA, saving lives through CPR anytime. The virtual event kicked off with a training from American Heart Association volunteer and Actor, Jacko Sims, giving us insight on what he has learned from playing a doctor on NBC’s New Amsterdam. Local resident and volunteer, Jill McGlynn hosted the program and welcomed Cori Glidden, a young athlete who went into cardiac arrest while on a run with her friend. Kori was about to start eighth grade when she suddenly dropped to the ground and was without oxygen for about four minutes. Two bystanders administered CPR on Kori and helped save her life.
“CPR was very crucial for me and for my life moving forward. Today, I stay focused on being active and healthy. I really hope you all will learn from my experiences and take those two steps to learn CPR,” said Cori Glidden.
Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps, and anyone can learn it from a 90-second video available at heart.org/handsonlycpr.
- Step 1: If a teen or adult in your home suddenly collapses, call 911 immediately.
- Step 2: Place one hand on top of the other as shown in the video and push hard and fast on the victim’s chest.
People feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. Rescuers should push on the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute and the American Heart Association advises following the beat of any of several songs including “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love,” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Hips Don’t Lie,” by Shakira” or “Walk the Line,” by Johnny Cash.
You can hear Kori’s personal story and watch the replay of the Heart of NEPA event, available now https://youtu.be/gK1g0URZWyk.