June 1-7 is National CPR and AED Awareness Week. The American Red Cross stresses that every second counts in cardiac arrest and people can save lives by knowing how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. More than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest annually in the United States, but sadly only 11 percent survive. For every minute without immediate CPR and use of an AED, survival chances drop 10 percent.
If you see someone collapse without warning, take immediate action with these three steps:
Call 911.
Start CPR.
Use an AED.
Train for the moments that matter. Whether you are a healthcare worker, a workplace responder or a member of the public, the Red Cross offers a variety of online, blended (online content with in-class skills session) and instructor-led classroom courses, all compliant with public health guidance. Several Red Cross training courses satisfy requirements set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (first aid, CPR and AED training) and The Joint Commission (resuscitation education). Check with your employer as to what class you need if you are taking training to fulfill a job requirement.
You'll find additional information and can enter your zip code to find training in your area by going to the CPR and AED training section of our website, or if you are a business or organization, you can get your employees trained in CPR and AED. The Red Cross can also help you or your organization with facilitating the purchase of an AED, accessories, and service and maintenance plans.
The free Red Cross First Aid app provides users with instant access to information on sudden cardiac arrest, performing CPR and other emergencies.
Train safely, effectively and confidently. The health and safety of course participants and instructors are always our top priority. While work environments have been altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to be prepared to respond to emergencies, and to ensure the health and safety of others, has not. We continue to support the need for training in resuscitation, CPR and First Aid with remote-friendly training solutions and easy access to on-demand learning. Social distancing approaches and virtual training options follow public health guidance.
In the moments that matter, be the help until help arrives.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
