Love is in the air this month! Many of us are getting excited to show our loved ones how much we care with treats, cards, and gifts on Valentine’s Day. Furthermore, it’s American Heart Month. Why not combine the two by giving the potential gift of life by learning Hands-Only CPR!
Hands-Only CPR Can Save Lives. While you’re expressing love this month, Lowcountry Resuscitation Alliance urges you to learn Hands-Only CPR. A cardiac arrest can happen anywhere and the victim could be someone you know and love. According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. Only 46 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need prior to professional help arriving. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. If called upon to preform CPR, don’t be afraid! Your actions can only help.
Two Simple Steps for Hands-Only CPR
- Call 911: When calling 911, you will be asked for your location. Be specific, especially if you’re calling from a mobile phone as that is not associated with a fixed address. Answering the dispatcher’s questions and following their instructions will not delay the arrival of help.
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest: Push to the beat of any tune that is 100 to 120 beats per minute. Examples, “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira, “Walk the
60 Seconds Video. Lowcountry Resuscitation Alliance has a quick video to teach citizens Hands-Only CPR.
For additional information, please contact Carl Fehr, Division Chief of Charleston County EMS (843-202-6708 or [email protected]).