 
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that can help save a person's life if their breathing or heart stops. When a person's heart stops beating, they are in cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart cannot pump blood to the rest of the body, including the brain and lungs. Being trained in CPR provides the knowledge, confidence and skills to stay calm in a medical emergency and help a person in need. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Keeping the blood flow active – even partially – improves the chances for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrives.
Why is it important to learn basic life support skills?
It gives you tools to prevent the situation from becoming worse. In some situations if a patient doesn't receive basic first aid care immediately their situation will deteriorate – often rapidly. By being able to provide basic care you can stabilize a patient until emergency medical services arrives. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is witnessed by a bystander in approximately 37% of cases. That bystander could be you! Being trained in CPR provides the knowledge, confidence and skills to stay calm in a medical emergency and help a person in need. Individuals certified in CPR are prepared to make a difference in their community by being ready to jump into action anywhere a cardiac arrest happens.
How can I tell whether someone is in cardiac arrest?
- The person is unresponsive, even if you shake or shout at them.
- The person isn’t breathing or is only gasping.
*If you see someone in cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 right away and then start CPR. Keep doing CPR until medical professionals arrive.*
About 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals each year—and about 7 in 10 of those happen at home. Unfortunately, about half of the people who experience cardiac arrests at home don’t get the help they need from bystanders before an ambulance arrives.
CPR Facts & Stats
In one year alone, 350,000 Americans die from a cardiac arrest.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year.
There are about 10,000 cardiac arrests in the workplace each year in the United States, according to a report from the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
55 percent can’t get first aid or CPR and AED training from their employer.
