Why It’s Important to Take CPR Classes This Summer

Accidents are inevitable, yet there are simple ways to prepare for life’s worst case scenarios. Knowing CPR can help you save the life of a loved one or total stranger in an unexpected situation. And since it’s summer, there are many great reasons why you should learn how to perform CPR.

You don’t have to be a lifeguard or teacher to benefit from CPR training. And since modern CPR techniques have changed in recent years, everyone can benefit from this life saving treatment.

Here’s why you should take the time to learn CPR this summer:

Reason One: Cardiac Arrest

Each year, about 383,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur. About 88% of them occur at home. If you’re at home or out with someone that suddenly goes into cardiac arrest, you should know how to help them before they can get to the hospital. So much can happen between the time someone first goes into cardiac arrest and the time emergency crews arrive. Performing CPR could be the difference between life and death.

Millions of Americans are at risk for cardiac arrest. In fact, because we are living longer lives, more people are at risk of sudden heart attacks than ever before. People who are 65-years-old have an average life expectancy of 18.6 more years. Knowing CPR could help them live even longer.

Reason Two: Cardiac Arrest Isn’t the Same as a Heart Attack

Did you know that cardiac arrest and heart attacks are completely different things? Cardiac arrest happens when electrical impulses in the heart become chaotic. This causes the heart to suddenly stop. A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart gets blocked. Even though they’re not the same, a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest. So, even if the person is suffering from a heart attack, it’s still important to know how to perform CPR.

Reason Three: Survival Rate

Now that you know that 88% of cardiac arrests happen inside the home, you should know that only 6.4% of victims survive. Often, that’s because the people around didn’t know how to administer CPR. More than 200,000 people die of cardiac arrests each year. But with the knowledge of CPR, up to 50,000 of those deaths could be prevented.

This isn’t just about the victims, though. The American Heart Association reports that 70% of Americans feel helpless while watching someone go through cardiac arrest because they don’t know how to help. Now, you don’t have to be a part of a home health aides service to learn how to do CPR. Everyone can take a class and learn how to save lives. Even if you’ve learned CPR in the past, you should refresh your knowledge with CPR classes every few years or so to ensure you’re ready to act in any situation.