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Staying Alive

Cardiac Arrest occurs when the electrical impulses which regulate the heart’s rhythm short circuit.

When the heart rhythm is off, blood is unable to provide the glucose and oxygen the body needs to survive. This results in loss of consciousness and abnormal breathing. Any cardiac arrest should be treated as an emergency situation requiring fast action. However, most people feel incapable of responding due to lack of training.

Since 70% of those who suffer from cardiac arrest are at home, any training you receive may help you to save the life of someone close to you. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. As a general rule, doing something is better than doing nothing at all even if you have not been trained in CPR Techniques. The American Heart Association recommends two steps to staying alive:

  • Step 1 is call 911 if you find an adult or youth who has collapsed.
  • Step Two, immediately begin chest compressions. Push Hard and Push Fast in the center of the chest to the beat of Staying Alive until Help Arrives.

You can learn life saving tips in as little as one minute. Go to www.cpr.heart.org and watch the Two Steps to Staying Alive Video which guides you through hands-only CPR. This is Sheila Harrell with the Church Health Center.

Sources: www.cpr.heart.org and www.redcross.org.

If you have a questions for Life Matters, send it to health@wkno.org