South Dakotans Learn CPR with Nation of Lifesavers
South Dakotans Learn CPR with Nation of Lifesavers
During February American Heart Month, the American Heart Association is encouraging every South Dakotan family to learn CPR with the Association Annually, people who experience cardiac arrests outside of medical facilities is more than 350,0000. Unfortunately, 90 percent do not survive. Nearly 70 percent of cardiac arrests happen at the home, so it may be probable that a friend or family member needs CPR.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children may experience cardiac arrest each year. Almost 40 percent of those are related to athletics, and nearly 20 percent occur in infants. The Association hopes to create an environment where every child may have the best chance for survival in a cardiac emergency.
“The truth is, if you are called to respond in a cardiac emergency, being prepared to step in with CPR may save the life of someone you love, even a child,” said Chrissy Meyer, American Heart Association communications director, “It’s up to all of us to make sure that our families, our students and our athletes are safe when it matters most.”
American Heart Association focusses on doubling the rate of survival of cardiac arrests from 10 percent to 20 percent by the year 2030 by joining also the Nation of Lifesavers.
Ways South Dakotans can learn CPR is to take an online course, practice with a CPR Anytime Kit, find a Heartsaver Certification Course near them or watch a one minute video to learn Hands-Only CPR.
There are many types of CPR: Traditional CPR which blends chest compressions two inches in depth at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute with two breaths.
Infant and Child CPR: Child CPR is done with chest compressions at two inches with one or two hands and two breaths after. Infant CPR is done at the depth of one and a half inches with two fingers and two breathes after. Repeat until help arrives.
CPR, if done immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s survival. However 65 percent of Americans say they are frightened to step in. The Association’s Nation of Lifesaver works to turn bystanders into lifesavers.
“When parents and other people we look up to like teachers and coaches commit to learning CPR, it creates a culture where awareness is the norm instead of the exception,” said Meyer, “We often think about February as a time to buy flowers and chocolates in heart-shaped boxes. But even more important than making dinner reservations is scheduling time to learn CPR. It can be as simple as watching a minute and a half video, but it could change the difference between life and death for your loved one.”
Learn more at cpr.heart.org/en/
