Help Save a Life With CPR

 

Approximately 890 deaths from coronary heart disease occur outside of the hospital or emergency room every day. Most of these deaths are due to the sudden loss of heart function or sudden cardiac death. Chances of survival from sudden cardiac death diminish by 7-10 percent for each minute without immediate CPR or defibrillation. After 10 minutes, resuscitation rarely succeeds.

 

During a cardiac arrest, the heart no longer pumps blood and the organs of the body no longer receive oxygen. CPR consists of pumping on the victims chest and delivering breaths to produce some circulation until the heart rhythm resumes . When the chest is compressed, oxygen-rich blood is pumped forward. When the chest is released, oxygen-poor blood is brought back  to the heart where it can be restored with oxygen before being pushed out to the body with another compression. Both actions pushing oxygen-rich blood forward and bringing oxygen-poor blood back  to the heart - are important.

 

 

CPR Works in Conjunction with an AED
(Automated External Defibrillator)

 

Evidence indicates that an electrical shock applied early after cardiac arrest helps the heart resume its natural heart rhythm. When a shock  is given to the heart during cardiac arrest, it resets the abnormal heart rhythm but does not necessarily start blood circulating again. CPR preformed in conjunction with the use of an AED may provide a better chance for the heart to regain its own natural heart beat. CPR seems to fill the heart with oxygen-rich blood so that when the heart rhythm is reset with the shock, normal circulation can be restored.

 

 

Being Prepared is the Difference Between Life and Death   The following facilities and institutions must consider having at least one person trained and certified in CPR methods in the case of emergency. Having a person(s) trained could mean the difference between saving a life until emergency medical assistance arrives or allowing an individual to die.
	Airlines & Airline Terminals		Day & Summer Camps		Day Care Centers
	Exercise & Fitness Clubs		Education Institutions		Entertainment Facilities
	Golf Courses		Hotels & Motels		Industrial Complexes
	Medical & Dental Offices		Pubs & Bars		Retail Stores
	Restaurants		Sport Leagues		Nannys & Baby Sitters