Knowing CPR can be the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency. The American Heart Association, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, is helping to ensure students know how to respond to a cardiac emergency.
Together, they are providing 500 schools in Ohio with CPR training and resources. This initiative helps schools fulfill state CPR curriculum requirements and teaches life-saving skills.
Every year, approximately 350,000 Americans experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, often at home. Their survival depends on bystanders stepping in, calling 911, and beginning CPR until help arrives. When cardiac arrests happen at home, it’s usually up to the victim’s loved ones, like a spouse or child, to save their family member’s life.
“Unfortunately, less than half of cardiac arrest victims who experience their event outside of a hospital receive bystander CPR,” said Amber Higbie, CPR in Schools program manager.
Higbie continued, “Survival rates are less than 12%. CPR can double or triple the chances of survival. And yet, so many die because those around them don’t feel empowered to intervene. In fact, 70% of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency. This initiative is working to help change that.”