In the US alone, more than 350,000 people suffer from a cardiac arrest each year but cannot get the immediate medical attention they need. As a result, only 11% survive these attacks, but that number could significantly increase if more people knew CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator, also known as an AED.
The vast majority of these cardiac events happen at home. Oftentimes, the victim is either alone or with a person who does not know CPR or have access to an AED. By the time medical professionals arrive, it may be too late to provide assistance; for every minute without immediate CPR and use of an AED, survival probability drops 10%.
While the American Red Cross celebrates National CPR and AED Awareness Week in June, it’s an important topic to discuss all year round. Brushing up on the life-saving benefits of knowing CPR or how to operate an AED can be vastly beneficial. Anyone can become CPR certified, and this knowledge may be used to save a life, especially that of a loved one.
Here are some of the most important reasons to become CPR certified:
You can save someone in need.
There is no more excellent reason to learn CPR than this. When a person undergoes a cardiac event, 70% of Americans feel helpless to act because they either do not know CPR or their training has significantly lapsed.
Taking the short amount of time to learn CPR means you can help a loved one in need or even a stranger. CPR is a valuable skill that you will hopefully never use but will be glad you know when the situation arises.
CPR helps preserve brain function during cardiac arrest, providing valuable oxygen to the body when the heart fails. This can make the difference between a person living and dying during an emergency, especially when professional medical personnel are not nearby.
You can help others.
Few people know how to accurately identify sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Having this knowledge makes you immediately valuable wherever you go. You can leverage your training to detect a person in danger and provide immediate aid. The American Heart Association reports that around 90% of SCA victims die before reaching a medical facility. In these cases, the AHA found that immediate CPR can double or even triple a victim’s likelihood of survival.
You can help fill an ever-growing need.
The American Heart Association trains 12 million Americans in CPR each year, but as the number of cardiac cases shows, that number is not nearly enough. While those living with someone at a heightened risk for a cardiac event should learn CPR, it is a good skill for people of all ages to learn. You never know when you could be called upon to help someone in need.
You can improve your work prospects.
Knowing CPR is even valuable in the workplace. Just imagine if a co-worker has a cardiac event during work hours? You can jump in and provide immediate care. CPR training can be done in large groups, and businesses can offer training opportunities to employees. No matter the type of work you do, CPR training can be beneficial to know.
You will learn other life-saving skills, like how to use a defibrillator.
An AED provides an electronic shock to the heart, helping to restore a consistent heartbeat. Many CPR classes include information about how to use an AED and where you can find them. While individuals likely will not own them, many businesses or public places may have one that could be used in an emergency. While the need to use an AED is likely low, having that knowledge could be invaluable during a crisis.
How do I become CPR certified?
There are many online and in-person courses you can take to obtain your certification. Or, you could enroll as a medical assistant student at Woodruff! Our experienced instructors give you detailed instruction, class time, and hands-on training outside of the classroom. You will learn CPR in no time. Learn more about becoming a medical assistant today.
