Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 17, 2023) — During National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross of Utah is calling on all Utahns to learn to save a life. With over 300,000 people in the United States succumbing to cardiac arrest each year, it is crucial to know how to respond to a cardiac emergency.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating. It can affect people of all ages, including those who appear healthy. SCA can lead to death within minutes if the person doesn’t receive immediate help. Survival largely depends on nearby loved ones or bystanders promptly calling 911, initiating CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), according to the National Academy of Medicine.
The Red Cross emphasizes that every minute counts when the heart stops with three out of four cardiac arrests occurring at home or work. “That means any one of us could be needed to help save the life of a person we know or love by using CPR,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “We encourage everyone to learn CPR or hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breathing) and be prepared to act swiftly and confidently during an emergency.”
SCA differs from a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage interrupting blood flow to the heart. SCA involves the heart suddenly stopping due to factors like arrhythmias, structural heart problems or physical stress, such as during sports activities.
Get the Red Cross training you need
The Red Cross offers a variety of certified training classes, including traditional CPR and hands-only CPR, available in-person, online or through hybrid courses. The Red Cross also provides AED certification, teaching how to use a defibrillator to restart the heart, which can prevent death and brain damage. More information is available at redcross.com/take-a-class.
The Red Cross also provides free hands-only CPR training to schools, businesses, community groups and religious organizations. To request a presentation, visit rdcrss.org/3KdoALo. “CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Red Cross. “Maintaining blood flow, even partially, extends the window for successful resuscitation once medical professionals arrive on the scene.”
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app
The Red Cross First Aid app offers instant access to information on handling common first aid emergencies, including CPR and AED usage, in both English and Spanish. Compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices, the app can be found by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.
National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
In 2008, the United States Congress declared October as National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month to raise public awareness about warning signs, risk factors and lifesaving responses during a cardiac emergency.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
