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CPR & AED Awareness Week

This week is CPR and AED Awareness Week. In 2007, the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council worked together to create CPR and AED Awareness Week. Congress unanimously agreed and designated June 1-7 each year to CPR and AED Awareness Week to focus on the importance of knowing these live-saving skills. It also highlights the impact bystander CPR has on survival rates and encourages everyone to learn CPR and take action. Every second counts.

Did you know for every minute that a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) victim goes without defibrillation or CPR, they lose 7-10% of their chance at survival? With the average EMS response time being thirteen minutes, proactive bystanders on the scene are crucial and can be the difference between life and death. It’s important to have some basic training of CPR and how to use an AED so you can be there for the ones you love in case of an emergency.

Recently, the AHA has updated the Chain of Survival. The 6 links in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival are:

  1. Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
  2. Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions
  3. Rapid defibrillation
  4. Advanced resuscitation by Emergency Medical Services and other healthcare providers
  5. Post-cardiac arrest care
  6. Recovery (including additional treatment, observation, rehabilitation, and psychological support)

Here are the basic CPR steps you should take as a bystander:

  • Ensure the scene is safe.
  • Recognize the emergency (tap and shout at the person).
  • Call 9-1-1 and follow the 911 dispatcher’s directions.
  • You, or a helper, accesses an AED, if there is one close by.
  • Check for breathing, or gasping.
  • Begin chest compressions. (AHA recommends hands-only CPR for untrained bystanders)
  • Set up the AED if one is available and follow the instructions until paramedics arrive.

We invite you to celebrate National CPR and AED Awareness Week in your community by spreading awareness on the importance of CPR and AEDs. Does your local school, gym, and church have an AED? Contact our team of experts today to learn more about CPR classes and other AED resources!

Sources

  • AHA. “CPR & AED Awareness Week.” https://www.cpr.heart.org/en/training-programs/cpr-and-aed-awareness/cpr-and-aed-awareness-week. 1 June 2021.
Written by BlaireWritten by Blaire Czarniecki

Customer Service Director

Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”

Last updated June 1, 2021.