Celebrated annually on October 16, World Restart a Heart Day is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiac arrest and promoting the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills—skills that can significantly improve the odds of someone surviving a cardiac event.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), if performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The Hands-Only CPR approach, which involves chest compression but no mouth-to-mouth contact, is easy to learn and perform, CPR.
Key to CPR’s success is the use of chest compressions, which works to keep blood flowing through the heart and extends the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive on site. Compressions should be performed by using two hands and pushing hard and fast on a person’s chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
To help people maintain the appropriate rhythm and perform CPR correctly, the AHA developed a playlist to achieve the right rhythm when performing compressions. A few tunes that can help you keep pace include:
- The Bee Gees’ "Stayin’ Alive"
- Lady Gaga’s "Just Dance"
- Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean"
- ABBA’s "Take a Chance on Me:
However, according to the National CPR Foundation, there are two key considerations to make before attempting CPR on someone:
Make sure you and the patient aren’t in any danger. If possible, resolve the risk or move the patient out of harm’s way. If you are unable to do so for whatever reason, immediately call 911.
Check the patient to determine if they are conscious or not. Do not check for a pulse because time is of the essence and finding a pulse can take too long. Instead, call out to the patient asking, “Are you okay?” Repeat if necessary. If the patient doesn't respond, immediately call 911 or have someone nearby call, then perform CPR immediately.
Finding CPR training in your area
The American Red Cross offers CPR training both online and in person.
To learn what CPR training options exists in your area, visit the CPR Classes page on the American Red Cross website. Or you can reach out to your local rescue squad to learn about upcoming training opportunities in your community.
With just a few short hours of instruction and hands-on learning, you’ll walk away with the ability to potentially save someone's life.
Vermont
- Arlington Rescue Squad
- Bennington Rescue Squad
- Deerfield Valley Rescue Inc
- Northshire Rescue
- Pownal Rescue Squad
- Readsboro Fire Department
- Stamford Volunteer Fire Company
- Stratton Mountain Rescue
- Whitingham First Response
- Winhall Police & Rescue
New York
Massachusetts
- Northern Berkshire EMS (North Adams)
- Village Ambulance Service(Williamstown)
Sean Burns, MD, is the SVMC EMS Medical Director/District 12 Medical Advisor.