Important Facts about Basic Life Support (CPR/AED)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• EMTs and paramedics treat ~300,000 victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the United States
• Fewer than 18% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital survive.
• SCA (Sudden cardiac arrest) can happen to anyone at any time, anywhere.
• Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.
• SCA is not the same as a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when electrical signals in the heart become disrupted or chaotic. This may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating resulting in no pulse. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked via a blockage, rupture or spasm of the blood supply to the heart muscle. When this occurs, sudden cardiac arrest is often the result and prompt action (BLS, CPR, AED) is required if the person is going to have any chance of survival. Complete a CPR Class and purchase a Heartsaver CPR book

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR/AED – also referred to as BLS)

• Less than 1/3 of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR.
• Immediate and Effective bystander CPR can double or triple a victim's chance of survival.
• The AHA (American Heart Association) trains more than 12 million people in CPR annually, including EMTs, Pareamedics, Registered Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Physicians and the general public.
• Studies prove that the rate for chest compressions is 100 compressions per minute – the same rhythm as the beat of the BeeGee's song, "Staying Alive." Complete a CPR Class and purchase a Heartsaver CPR book

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

• BLS (CPR and defibrillation) are provided within minutes of collapse it is likely that the person will die.
• CPR is performed must be combined with defibrillation using an AED.
• AEDs are capable of analyzing abnormal heart rhythms and delivering an electrical shock to attempt to restore normal heart rhythm.
• New technology has made AEDs simple and user-friendly. Clear voice prompts tell users the steps to take. A shock is delivered only if the victim needs it.
• AEDs are now widely available in public places such as schools, airports and workplaces. Complete a CPR Class and purchase a Heartsaver CPR book

Personal Protection During CPR

• Many people are concerned about getting contaminated with body fluids if they initiate CPR on a stranger
• The American Heart Association has developed Hands Only CPR for individuals who do not wish to provide mouth to mouth rescue breathing.
• Take a CPR class to learn more about Hands Only CPR.
• When giving CPR or Rescue Breathing to loved ones it is best to give mouth to mouth to facilitate getting oxygen to the brain while providing blood flow to the body using chest compressions (CPR). It is recommended that you have a protective barrier (one-way mask) when providing mouth to mouth when you are uncertain of, or unfamiliar with the victim.

AHA Disclaimer

The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in ECC and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. This material is supplied on a cost basis. Its use in an instructional course does not represent sponsorship by the AHA. Any fees charged for such a course do not represent income to the Association.