Learn CPR and You Could Save a Loved One's Life

By Hezekiah Baxter, Jr.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple a victim's chance of survival. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States and Canada.

In the United States approximately 330,000 people die annually outside of the hospital and emergency department setting from coronary heart disease.

Almost 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home and are witnessed by a family member.

Only 6.4% of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive because the vast majority of those witnessing the arrest are people who do not know how to perform CPR.

The purpose of CPR is to train lay responders to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory and/or cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants while overcoming any reluctance to act in emergency situations.

No family can rely on 911 alone. When someone stops breathing or the heart stops beating, he or she typically can survive for only 4-6 minutes before lack of oxygen can result in brain damage or death. In most cases, CPR can buy extra time for your loved one until professional help can arrive by artificially circulating oxygen to the brain.

Make a difference, educate yourself, and learn CPR.