As the summer season is in full swing, it’s essential to remember that emergencies like cardiac arrest can happen anywhere. According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, and 90% of people will not survive.
Learn CPR and Save a Life
Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere: at home, at work, in schools, at a soccer game, or on vacation. When it happens, the first chance for survival often rests with the people nearby. Anyone can be the difference before professional help arrives. The power to save a life is in your hands. CPR is a human responsibility, not just a medical skill.
Hands-Only CPR for adults consists of two easy steps: call 9-1-1 or shout for someone else to call, and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a familiar song that’s 100-120 beats per minute, such as “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
Summer Safety Tips
In addition to learning CPR, consider these ways to keep yourself and loved ones safe throughout the summer months. Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, especially during outdoor activities. Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. Swim with a buddy and ensure children are always supervised by an adult near water.
Identify the locations of safety equipment, such as lifeguards, AEDs, and emergency exits, when attending camps, sporting events, or enjoying the pool or beach. Practice grill safety by using grills away from homes, decks, and dry grass, and never leave them unattended while cooking.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
