October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, dedicated to educating the public about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and how to prevent and respond to it. 2010 is also the 50th anniversary of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), a lifesaving gift that anyone can give to a loved one--or even a stranger.
What are we doing about it? The SCA Foundation is:
- Helping spearhead an event today, October 5, sponsored by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition, in Washington, D.C, aimed at raising awareness in Congress;
- Hosting our annual event, "Won't You Be My Neighbor? Won't You Learn How to Save a Life?," on October 7 in Pittsburgh;
- Participating in a program of The Pittsburgh Foundation, which will match donations to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation on October 13;
- Launching our fall video contest to raise awareness in school settings, working in collaboration with the Citizen CPR Foundation;
- Encouraging the public to take CPR-AED classes, knowing that statistically speaking, they will most likely be called upon to save a loved one.
Here is what everyone should know.
In the event that someone suddenly collapses and is unresponsive:
- Call 9-1-1.
- Start CPR or chest compressions. Press hard and fast on the center of the chest to the tune of the Bee Gee's hit "Stayin' Alive."
- Find and use the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED). Be assured that anyone can use an AED. These lifesaving devices are simple, straightforward and intuitive. They will not shock a victim unless the heart has stopped beating. You cannot hurt the victim--your actions can only help.
This October, why not take a class in CPR/AED training? If you ever need to use your skills, most likely it will be to save a friend or family member. This October, learn how to save the life of someone you love.
- Log in to post comments