Learn Lifesaving Skills During Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month - KRIV Fox26
- GAIL GOULD
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, a time to remind everyone how simple actions can mean the difference between life and death. During an interview on FOX26 Houston’s Morning Show with Melissa Wilson, CPR expert Gail Gould, The CPR and Safety Lady, shared lifesaving insights and hands-only CPR techniques that anyone can perform.
“About 356,000 Americans will go into sudden cardiac arrest this year,” Gail explained. “It is sudden death. So everybody around them needs to jump in fast immediately. If they’re not breathing, start CPR, call 911, and find a defibrillator.”
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are fatal, but when CPR is performed immediately, it can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
The Importance of Hands-Only CPR
Gould demonstrated how easy it can be to step in and help.
“What we’re recommending out in the community is hands-only CPR,” she said. “All you do is compress; just push hard and fast in the center of the chest. You don’t even need to breathe anymore. What you’re doing is keeping blood flowing to the brain until advanced help arrives.”
This method is recommended for adults and older children (typically ages 10 and up). For infants, however, traditional CPR with rescue breaths remains essential.
“If it’s a baby under the age of one, you’ll need to give 30 chest compressions using two fingers right beneath the nipples, then two small puffs of air over the nose and mouth,” Gail explained.
Addressing the Gender Gap in CPR Response
One of the most eye-opening parts of the discussion centered on a surprising statistic: women are 1.5 times less likely to receive CPR during cardiac arrest and also 1.5 times less likely to survive.
“The reason is that people are afraid of being accused of touching a woman inappropriately,” Gould shared. “So I bought this female mannequin because I read that if people practice on a female mannequin, they feel more comfortable doing it on a woman.”
“Don’t be afraid. If someone’s life is at risk, just help them,” she urged. “Start compressing immediately. You can double or triple the person’s chance of survival.”
The best way to be ready in an emergency is to take a CPR class and practice regularly. Hands-on training helps build confidence so that when seconds count, hesitation doesn’t stand in the way.
Gail offers training for individuals, families, and workplaces throughout the Houston area. To learn more about CPR training or to schedule a class with Gail Gould, by emailing her at cprandsafetylady@gmail.com
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