During February – American Heart Month – the American Heart Association (heart.org) is urging all Nebraska families to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR. More than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital every year. Unfortunately, 90% do not survive. Nearly 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, so it is likely that the person who needs CPR will be a family member or friend.
According to the Association, more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest each year. Nearly 40% of those are related to sports, and nearly 20% occur in infants. By calling on the everyday heroes like parents, teachers and coaches who impact the lives of children every day, the Association hopes to create an environment where every child has the best chance of survival in a cardiac emergency.
“The truth is, if you are called to respond in a cardiac emergency, being prepared to step in with CPR may save the life of someone you love, even a child,” said Chris Shives, Executive Director, American Heart Association. “It’s up to all of us to make sure that our families, our students and our athletes are safe when it matters most.”
Joining the Nation of Lifesavers, an Association initiative focused on doubling the survival rate of cardiac arrest by 2030, is easier than ever with many CPR learning options available.
Across Nebraska, future lifesavers can:
- Take an online CPR course
- Learn and practice with a CPR Anytime Kit
- Watch a 60-second video to learn Hands-Only CPR
- Find a Heartsaver™ certification course near them or
- Attend the Omaha or Lincoln Heart and Stroke Balls
By 2030, the American Heart Association has pledged to double the cardiac arrest survival rate from just 10% to 20%. The American Heart Association is the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all. Learn more at heart.org.