Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of thousands of people in this country every year. It can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. Rapid treatment can increase someone’s chance of survival — people can save lives by knowing how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an AED.
IT’S CRITICAL TO GET TRAINED so you can help if an emergency occurs. During cardiac arrest, every second counts. It can take emergency personnel valuable minutes to arrive on the scene. For every minute without defibrillation, a sudden cardiac arrest victim’s chance of surviving drops. CPR can double or triple someone’s chance of surviving when bystanders take action.
The Red Cross recommends this lifesaving training for everyone. Training takes only a few hours and can give you the skills and confidence to act in an emergency and help save a life.
You’ll learn how to perform CPR, what to do for heart attacks and other emergencies. Visit redcross.org/takeaclass for online and in-person courses and don’t forget to download the free Red Cross First Aid app and activate the First Aid Skill for Alexa-enabled devices.
WHAT IS SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST? Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating normally because of abnormal electrical activity. Signs of cardiac arrest include the person being unresponsive, even if you shake or shout at them, or if the person isn’t breathing or is only gasping. If you see someone collapse without warning, know your ‘Cardiac Arrest 1-2-3.’
Call 911.
Start CPR.
Use an AED.
CPR AND AED CPR should be used when someone stops breathing and their heart isn’t beating. CPR keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart when the heart stops. While CPR is essential to maintain blood flow through the heart, an AED defibrillator will get the heart started again when it stops, which is imperative for maintaining a natural heart rhythm that can help prevent not only death, but brain damage as well.
COALITION MEMBER The Red Cross is proud to be a member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, advocating for evidence-based policies, delivery of effective CPR and immediate access to AEDs that will prevent fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest among high school students. Learn more here.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
