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Having this one skill can

save someone’s life

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Statistics, Facts, and Figures are available. Did you know that 360,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest each and every year, and out of those, 90% die? Why is this? Many times it’s because they didn’t receive CPR on the spot. Did you know that immediate hands-on CPR can actually TRIPLE the chances of survival? I’ve been certified in CPR for years…and I highly encourage everyone to do the same. Classes are often offered, and readily available, in local YMCAs and hospitals. If you are already certified in CPR and you haven’t had a refresher course lately (like in the past few years), get re-certified. If you see somebody suddenly collapse, whether you’re CPR certified or not... 1. Call 911. Tell the dispatcher that an adult (or child) has collapsed...and whether or not that person is responding. Put your phone on speaker to free your hands and listen for further instructions. 2. Start CPR. Whether you’re CPR certified or not, if a person collapsed and you’re the only person there, the dispatcher will be able to assist you with administering CPR. In a nutshell, the victim should be on a flat, hard surface with any bulky jacket or coat unzipped. Put your hand’s on the victim’s chest, one hand on top of the other, and push at least two inches deep...two chest compressions per second. 3. Take turns. Administering CPR can be exhausting. If there is another adult in the room, trade off CPR duties with him or her every few minutes until an ambulance arrives. Your job is not necessarily to “revive” the person, but rather to keep that person alive until the emergency crew gets there. Whatever you do, don’t just stand there. In cases like this, seconds count...and could mean life or death. *Stats provided by Womans Day Magazine Back to Organizing Statistics, Facts, and Figures Index