This February during American Heart Month, the American Heart Association (AHA, heart.org) sheds light on the importance of knowing Hands-Only CPR. If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love whether it is a spouse, a parent, or a friend. This year’s heart month urges people to be the beat it takes to keep someone alive by learning the two simple steps it takes to save a life.
Did you know?
- More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, with about 70% happening in homes.
- CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
- Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps and anyone can learn it from a 60-second video available at heart.org/handsonlycpr.
- Step 1: If a teen or adult in your home suddenly collapses, call 911 immediately.
- Step 2: Place one hand on top of the other as shown in the video and push hard and fast on the victim’s chest.
Through the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association encourages people to take action in February by wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 3, to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. Join the conversation online by using #WearRedDay, #HeartMonth, #GoRedforWomen, and #GoRedNE on social media.
Learn more about the American Heart Association and their mission at www.heart.org and www.goredforwomen.org.