What is CPR?

When the heart stops beating, blood cannot flow through the body. If the body loses blood flow for any period of time brain damage and even death will occur.

Cardiac arrest typically happens due to an electrical disturbance in the heart. This causes loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. According to the American Heart Association, 'Every year 350,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States'.

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This is the emergency lifesaving procedure that helps keep blood flowing through the body until advanced medical help arrives. The chance of survival after cardiac arrest doubles or triples when immediate CPR is provided. Would you be able to provide this help?

There are five main steps to follow if you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest. We will take a look at each of these steps in detail in our upcoming posts.

1. Check scene safety. You want to make sure you are safe when providing CPR for someone.

2. Check responsiveness. You want to make sure you don't start CPR on someone who is just taking a nap!!

3. Call for help. This is very important!

4. Check for breathing; for healthcare providers, you will check for a pulse at this point also.

5. Start CPR. This consists of compressions and breaths (for healthcare providers and certified providers).

Heart Savers & Beyond helps teach people these lifesaving skills. Because most people are not trained in CPR, roughly 90% of people that experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die. We are hoping these blogs will encourage people to learn these skills so they can help save a life! Stay tuned to learn more about the 5 steps above!