Wednesday, March 9, 2011

60 Seconds Can Save a Life

Everyday Paramedics face life and death. Often these tragic outcomes could have been avoided, living healthier, getting enough exercise, and learning CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use are simple changes people can make to reduce cardiac arrests. Paramedics can only do so much, we cannot be standing beside everyone, waiting for the day that person may suffer a cardiac arrest. We can train, work hard and get ready for the next call. But that often isn't enough to save a life, if someone doesn't immediately start CPR and use a public access defibrillator everything we do after is often in vain.

Once the heart stops pumping, seconds count. For every minute that passes without help, a person's chance of surviving drops by about 10%. But if you know how to respond to a cardiac arrest, a person's odds of survival and recovery may increase by 30% or more. With most cardiac arrests occurring in the home it's you and your loved ones that will benefit the most. Learning CPR is easy, and now doesn't cost a thing and takes just 60 seconds to learn.

Studies show that less than 30 % of the public are trained in CPR and there is significant hesitation from the layperson to perform CPR.  It is now easier than ever to perform CPR, just two simple steps.

1. Call 911
2. Push hard and fast

Watching this video will increase the likelihood of you performing this life saving skill. So watch, learn and then ensure that the Paramedic services in your community are adequately funded to be there when you call. Paramedics and your loved ones are depending on it.


1 comment:

  1. Thanks for these "public service announcement" style posts!

    Much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete