What’s keeping you from learning CPR?

Picture this: You’re at home or at work, and someone you know – your grandfather or your co-worker – suddenly collapses. You realize that he has stopped breathing and his heart has stopped beating. In other words, he is in cardiac arrest, a serious medical emergency. Would you know what to do?

Given the fact that 80% of the approximately 40,000 cardiac arrests in Canada occur at home or in public places, you may be faced with this very real scenario. In fact, 35% to 55% of cardiac arrests are witnessed by a family member, co-worker or friend.

When a person is in cardiac arrest, seconds count. The first thing anyone should do is call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. If CPR is performed, the likelihood of someone surviving until emergency personnel arrive is 30%. CPR used in combination with an Automated External Defibrillator increases survival rates to 50% or more.

If you witness someone in cardiac arrest, what would you do?

SCENARIO #1

Answer:

I’d be too afraid to do anything. I’d panic.

Solution:

1. Whether you know CPR or not, the first thing you should do is call 9-1-1. Then, think about it. If nothing is done, the person will die. That’s why you should seriously consider learning CPR so you will know what to do in an emergency and boost your confidence to be able to respond appropriately.
2. Order a Heart&Stroke CPR Anytime™ Family & Friends™ Personal Learning Program kit. The $35 kit comes complete with a mannequin, a bilingual 22-minute instruction DVD and reference manual so that you can learn how to do CPR in the comfort of your own home or at work. Order your kit today.
3. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada sets the Canadian Guidelines for CPR, defibrillation and other aspects of emergency cardiovascular care in Canada. The Foundation encourages all Canadians to be trained in CPR and in the use of an Automated External Defibrillator. Courses usually take about four hours and are held in convenient locations in most communities across the country. To learn more about courses in your community, go to www.heartandstroke.ca/restart.  

SCENARIO #2

Answer:

I’m afraid of picking up a germ or communicable disease, so I would hesitate to help out, even if I could.

Solution:

1. Remember: the majority of cardiac arrests occur in people you will likely know – either at home or in the workplace. That means your risk of contamination would likely be little to none. In fact, even though CPR is performed all over the world, only isolated reports of contamination have ever been reported. Knowing and performing CPR could save the life of a loved one, a friend or co-worker.
2. Perform hands-only CPR until emergency personnel arrive. While the Heart and Stroke Foundation encourages Canadians to learn the full CPR method (30 chest compressions, then 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths), hands-only CPR (continuous chest compressions) is also acceptable. Read the Heart&Stroke’s Position Statement on CPR. 

SCENARIO #3

Answer:

I’m worried about performing CPR because I may injure the person in some way.

Solution:

1. Even though an injury may occur, it is an acceptable consequence to performing CPR. Keep in mind that the alternative is so much worse: the person may die.
2. All provinces have legislation that applies to bystanders who in good faith provide emergency care to victims in distress. The purpose of these laws is to encourage people to help a stranger without the fear of legal repercussions. Ordinary citizens who have responded to emergency situations and saved lives have made a real difference to the Canadian families affected.

Still not convinced? Watch this video:

It’s time for all Canadians to learn CPR. Act now:

Order a Heart&Stroke CPR Anytime™ Family & Friends™ Personal Learning Program kit.

To learn more about courses in your community, go to www.heartandstroke.ca/restart

Please give generously to help us promote CPR in your community.

Read more about CPR and AEDs.

Posted: November 2009