The Life-Saving Power of CPR: Why Everyone Should Learn It This Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and prevention. One of the most vital skills you can learn to protect your loved ones is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). When performed correctly, CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.
Why CPR Matters
Cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere. When the heart suddenly stops beating, oxygen stops flowing to the brain and other organs. Without immediate intervention, death can occur within minutes. Performing CPR helps maintain circulation and oxygen flow until medical professionals arrive, potentially saving a life.
Key Benefits of Learning CPR
- Increases Survival Rates – Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival following cardiac arrest.
- Provides Confidence in Emergencies – Knowing CPR prepares you to take quick action in a critical situation, rather than feeling helpless.
- Protects Loved Ones – Many cardiac arrests happen at home, meaning you could save the life of a family member or friend.
- Enhances Community Safety – Widespread CPR knowledge in communities increases the likelihood of bystander intervention during emergencies.
How to Learn CPR
- Take a CPR certification course through organizations like the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.
- Watch online training videos and familiarize yourself with hands-only CPR, which involves chest compressions without rescue breaths.
- Encourage workplaces and schools to offer CPR training programs.
Hands-Only CPR: A Simple Way to Save Lives
Even if you’re not certified, you can still help by performing hands-only CPR. Here’s how:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Place both hands on the center of the victim’s chest.
- Push hard and fast at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute (similar to the beat of the song "Stayin’ Alive").
Take Action This Heart Month
CPR is a simple yet powerful skill that can save lives. This Heart Month, make it a goal to learn or refresh your CPR knowledge and encourage others to do the same. You never know when you might be the difference between life and death for someone in need.
Covenant Children's Hospital offers a 2-hour course, Family & Friends® CPR, AED, & Choking, that teaches the essentials of CPR as part of their Childbirth Education Classes. The course covers infant and child choking & CPR, adult CPR and AED use. View Course Details and Upcoming Dates
Posted Date: 2/18/2025