By Stephanie Dunn Ashley
February is American Heart Month and not just because of Valentine’s Day.
Heart Month is a time when at the American Red Cross, we encourage all people to focus on their cardiovascular health. Each year, more than 300,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest in the U.S. In an emergency, every second counts, so it’s important for people to be trained on how to perform CPR and use an AED.
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating normally because of abnormal electrical activity. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can help save a life if a person’s breathing or heart stops. In fact, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival when bystanders act. Full CPR consists of chest compressions and rescue breaths and is the best option to use for infants, children and drowning victims. Hands-only CPR is giving chest compressions without any mouth-to-mouth contact. When you immediately provide hands-only CPR, you can increase the chance of survival.
An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, advises the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock, known as defibrillation, which helps the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
You may not realize it, but the response time for first responders after you call 911 averages 8-12 minutes. During sudden cardiac arrest – each minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces someone’s chances of survival by approximately 10%. This is why at the American Red Cross, we support the position that improved training and access to AEDs could save 50,000 lives each year. In fact, we believe that all Americans should be within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it.
Being able to provide help to anyone at any time is a powerful thing. Red Cross training can give you the skills and confidence to act in an emergency. You’ll learn how to perform CPR, use and AED, and what to do for heart attacks and other emergencies. Visit redcross.org for online and in-person courses and don’t forget to download the free Red Cross First Aid app and activate the First Aid Skill for Alexa-enabled devices.
Every second counts, so it’s important for people to be trained on how to perform CPR and use an AED. As CEO of the Metro NY North Red Cross Chapter and a trained EMT, this is a cause very close to my heart. I am so proud to share our volunteer Board of Directors in Metro New York North have pledged to get trained this year and every year, 24 are currently certified!
In February, on Valentine’s Day, or any day, take the opportunity show love not only to loved ones but also to those in need by volunteering, supporting, getting trained or donating blood to the Red Cross. And as this is Heart Month, pledge to check your heart and encourage others to do the same.
