<xx< GIVE B LO O D SAV E LIVES
Want to give blood? GCAAR is working with the American Red Cross to schedule a blood drive for our members at both our Rockville and Washington, DC offices when we are safely able to do so. Until then, please visit the American Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org for additional ways to donate during this time.
June is CPR and AED Awareness Month Did you know that CPR administered by a bystander, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival? The American Red Cross instructs individuals to take the following steps to perform hands-only CPR:
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Kneel beside the person who needs help.
Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest.
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Place the heel of the other hand on top of the first hand, then lace your fingers together.
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Position your body so that your shoulders are directly over your hands and keep your arm straight.
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Push hard, push fast. Use your body weight to help you administer compressions that are at least 2 inches deep and delivered at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. Be sure to let the person’s chest rise completely between compressions.
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Keep pushing. Continue hands-only CPR until you see obvious signs of life, like breathing, or another trained responder/EMS professional can take over for you.
For more information about CPR techniques and training, visit redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/cpr-steps.
6 CAPITAL AREA REALTOR ® — May/June 2020
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is used to help individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Many offices have an AED onsite. Check with your office to see if you have one, and learn who has been trained to use it. For AED training in your area, visit redcross.org/take-a-class.
