Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill that can save lives. According to statistics from Heart & Stroke, about 90% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die. However, CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
Recent studies show that the odds of survival are significantly higher when CPR is performed by a bystander. When a person collapses and remains unresponsive it is essential that those witnessing the sudden cardiac arrest jump into action. Rapidly initiating the out-of-hospital chain of survival and remembering to CALL 911, START CPR, and USE AN AED are crucial to saving an individuals life. Sudden cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at anytime.
Knowing CPR can make a huge difference in an emergency situation, as it can buy valuable time until medical professionals arrive. Furthermore, CPR is a relatively easy skill to learn, and can be done by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability.
It’s important to note that CPR is not just for medical professionals. In many cases, bystanders are the first to arrive on the scene of an emergency, and their actions can greatly impact the outcome. By learning CPR, you have the potential to save a life in your community, whether it be a family member, friend, or stranger.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take advantage of CPR training opportunities in your area, and become a lifesaver today. You never know when your CPR skills will be needed, but being prepared could mean the difference between life and death. For more resources on where you can find local CPR training programs please visit the links below.
- Heart & Stroke – Addressing Cardiac Arrest in Canada
- Rajan, S., Wissenberg, M., Folke, F., Hansen, S. M., Gerds, T. A., Kragholm, K., Hansen, C. M., Karlsson, L., Lippert, F. K., Køber, L., Gislason, G. H., & Torp-Pedersen, C. (2016). Association of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and survival according to ambulance response times after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Circulation, 134(25), 2095–2104. https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.116.024400