National CPR & AED Awareness Week (June 1-7)

About 70% of Americans feel that they are unable to act during a cardiac emergency because they don’t know how to perform CPR or they are afraid of harming the victim.  National CPR and AED Awareness Week is June 1-7 and focuses on how lives can be saved if more Americans know how to perform CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

During National CPR & AED Awareness Week, Red Cross chapters across the country will hold CPR/AED classes, demonstrations, and events to raise awareness on the importance of CPR and AED training.

One quarter of Americans have reported that they have been in a situation where someone may have needed CPR.  According to the American Heart Association, 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.  It is especially important to arm yourself with the ability to save lives by getting trained in CPR and the proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

There are several options for equipping yourself with these important skills:

• The Red Cross offers a variety of First Aid and CPR/AED courses, including a 30-minute Citizen CPR class where people can learn Hands-Only CPR.  Please visit The Red Cross or the American Heart Association for a demonstration of Hands-Only CPR.

• The Red Cross also has a First Aid App that you can download that provides free information instantly on how to perform CPR, and how to treat someone who is having a heart attack.

Both the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association provide information to those who are ready to begin their CPR & AED training.  Equip yourself with these useful skills, and make sure to share the information with family and friends.  Together, we can create awareness and save lives!