Sometimes, the only thing scarier than experiencing a medical emergency is not knowing how to properly respond to one. According to the American Heart Association, “Most people who experience cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location die because they don't receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene.”
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure for manually preserving brain function until further measures to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest can be performed.
CPR increases a person’s chances of survival – more than double. Although mouth-to-mouth breathing is a common form of CPR, it isn’t the only way. With hands-only CPR, the power to save a life is literally all in your hands.
READ: Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: What's The Difference?
Instead of being an innocent bystander, be an informed one with this two-step technique:
Step 1: Call 9-1-1.
Immediately call for emergency assistance and be ready to give specific information like your location.
Step 2: Press hard and fast at the center of the chest.
Disco may be dead, but the classic song “Stayin’ Alive” will help someone experiencing a cardiac emergency do just that. Placing one hand over the other, press hard and fast at the center of the chest to the rhythm of “Stayin’ Alive” (a rate of approximately 100 beats per minute) while you wait for help to arrive.
Watch this instructional video from the American Heart Association to see the proper technique in action. For more information and to find CPR trainings in your area, click here. Note: This technique is for use on teens and adults only.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Heart Health center for more articles and tips.
