2015 HANDS-ONLY CPR FACT SHEET
WHY LEARN HANDS-ONLY CPR?
Cardiac arrest occurs when there is an electrical failure in the heart, leading to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) which interrupts blood flow to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. It is one of the primary causes of death, with over 326,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happening annually in the United States.
– When someone experiences cardiac arrest, their chance of survival greatly increases with immediate CPR from a bystander.
– The American Heart Association reports that 90 percent of individuals suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests do not survive. Rapidly performed CPR can double or triple a victim’s likelihood of survival.
– Approximately 70 percent of Americans feel unable to assist during a cardiac emergency due to uncertainty about how to perform CPR or fear of causing harm to the victim.
BE THE DIFFERENCE FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE
In emergency situations where CPR may be needed, you are often trying to save the life of someone dear to you, such as a child, spouse, parent, or friend.
– 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home or in residential settings.
– Sadly, only about 39% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they require before professional assistance arrives.
– Hands-Only CPR has proven to be as effective as traditional CPR during cardiac arrests in any setting, significantly enhancing a victim’s chances of survival.
MUSIC CAN SAVE LIVES
Hands-Only CPR involves two straightforward steps: If you witness a teenager or adult suddenly collapse, (1) call 9-1-1; and (2) push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the rhythm of the disco track “Stayin’ Alive.”
– Individuals are generally more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are likely to remember the beat when it is associated with a familiar song.
– During CPR, compress the chest at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute, which aligns perfectly with the tempo of “Stayin’ Alive.”
TAKE A MINUTE TO LEARN HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
– Watch the short demonstration video. Visit org/handsonlycpr to view the Hands-Only CPR instructional video and share it with those important to you. You can also search for a nearby CPR class.
NOTE: The American Heart Association continues to endorse CPR that includes both compressions and breaths for infants and children, as well as for victims of drowning, drug overdose, or those who collapse due to respiratory issues.
