Cardiac arrest, a sudden loss of heart function due to an irregular heart rhythm, is a major cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association reports that about 90% of cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals result in fatalities. Immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances.
June 1-7 marks National CPR and AED Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) skills. The American Heart Association, alongside the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council, emphasizes these life-saving abilities and encourages bystander intervention during emergencies.
The majority of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home, affecting loved ones such as children or spouses. Learning hands-only CPR could be crucial in these situations. This method is effective in the initial minutes following a cardiac arrest at home or elsewhere.
Hands-only CPR involves two steps: calling emergency services if someone collapses and performing chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute. A familiar song like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees can help maintain the correct rhythm.
An AED plays a vital role in treating sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm. While formal training isn’t necessary for using an AED, it can boost confidence.
UHS is dedicated to providing essential health education on CPR and AED awareness in Greater Binghamton. In partnership with the American Heart Association, UHS offers community CPR education and has donated training kits to local schools and organizations.
Beyond February’s American Heart Month activities, UHS actively participates in events like the Southern Tier Heart Walk, which has raised over $5 million for research and advocacy over three decades.
Through collaboration with the John Mack Foundation, UHS provides AEDs to local non-profits via the John Mack Fund. This initiative supports sudden cardiac death prevention through access to defibrillators and trained individuals ready for emergencies.
Interested organizations can request an AED via nyuhs.org or learn more about the John Mack Fund online.
