Why I do what I do. #cprtraining #americanheartassociation #community

Why I do what I do?

Over 30 years of public service as a first responder, paramedic and firefighter captain.  One constant was the poor survival rates of those in cardiac arrest.  One a good day, it was six minutes till we arrived, most over eight and more.  That is a long, long time for these patients.  It was part of this dread fact that was quite humbling.  It inspired me, and so many others, to train the people who really matter when it comes to saving lives. 

And who are these people?  Don’t be silly!  It’s you!  Now some facts:

“Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest affects 350,000 Americans each year. Unfortunately, the national survival rate from such an event remains no better than 12% [1], though some communities do better and some worse [2]. The “Chain of Survival” concept has been accepted for decades and remains the roadmap for many communities in their efforts to improve their local survival rates from sudden cardiac death (SCD). The key for this chain to be successful is the EARLY application of each link in the sequence of treating cardiac arrest. The four most important links are;

Early Recognition of Cardiac Arrest (This is You!)

Early Use of Chest Compressions to perfuse vital organs (What do you know, You as well!)

Early Defibrillation of Shockable Rhythms (Could be You)

Early and Aggressive Post Arrest Care (This is where the EMS and hospitals come in, but we don't get here, without You!!)

Please, get the training! I'd love to do it for you, but, if not me, there are many fine, highly qualified people who can. You can visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/ to learn more. Thanks so much. God bless.

Source sited:  “Improving Community Survival Rates from Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest” (.)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6088442/#:~:text=Out%2Dof%2DHospital%20Cardiac%20Arrest%20affects%20350%2C000%20Americans%20each%20year,and%20some%20worse%20%5B2%5D.