CPR & AED Awareness Week: Be Ready When Seconds Matter
- GAIL GOULD
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
This week, June 1 to 7, is National CPR and AED Awareness Week, and it is the perfect reminder that lifesaving skills are not just for medical professionals. They are for parents, teachers, coaches, coworkers, caregivers, friends and anyone who may be called to act in an emergency.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival after cardiac arrest. Still, many people hesitate because they are afraid of doing something wrong, hurting the person or not knowing what to do.
Here’s something that may give you a confidence boost: doing something is better than doing nothing, and a little training can go a long way!
Why CPR and AED awareness matters
Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, but many emergencies happen closer to home than people realize. The AHA reports that about 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes. That means if you ever need to perform CPR, there is a good chance you may be helping someone you know and love.
Here are a few lifesaving facts to remember:
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals in the United States each year.
The American Heart Association estimates between 100,000-200,000 lives could be saved each year if more people stepped up to provide CPR
Immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances.
Only about 40% of people who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional help arrives.
An AED can help restart the heart when used quickly and correctly.
You do not have to be perfect. You just have to start.
Know the two steps of Hands-Only CPR
If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse:
Call 911.
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.
Hands-Only CPR can make a real difference in those critical minutes before EMS arrives. If an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. The device will walk you through what to do.
Want to know more? Join Gail for a FREE CPR webinar this Wednesday!
Gail will also host a FREE CPR & AED Awareness Week webinar on Wednesday, June 3 at noon. This online session is a great opportunity to learn lifesaving basics, ask questions and build confidence. Whether you have never taken a CPR class or simply need a refresher, this webinar will give you practical information you can use.
What you will learn:
What to do when someone suddenly collapses
How to recognize when CPR may be needed
The two steps of Hands-Only CPR
How an AED works and why it matters
Common fears that keep people from helping
How to feel more confident in an emergency
This week, take a few minutes to learn the skills that could help save a life. See below for just a few ways to watch Gail live on Houston TV programming this week!
Stay safe out there,
Gail Gould
The CPR and Safety Lady
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