Health and Wellness: Why everyone should know hands-only CPR

Submitted by Jeremy Albrecht/COMET Health

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical, life-saving technique that everyone should know. Whether you are at home, at work or out in public, the ability to perform CPR could mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing a cardiac emergency.

Unfortunately, many people do not have the necessary training to intervene effectively. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of learning CPR and why it’s an essential skill for everyone.

WHAT IS CPR?

CPR is a life-saving procedure used when someone’s heart stops beating. It involves chest compressions to help circulate blood and oxygen through the body, sustaining vital organs, particularly the brain, until professional medical help arrives.

THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING CPR

Saving Lives — The most significant benefit of learning CPR is the ability to save lives. According to the American Heart Association, about 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States each year.

Unfortunately, most of these cases are fatal if immediate help is not available. Performing CPR within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. By learning CPR, you could be the person who saves someone’s life in an emergency.

Improving Community Health — When more people in a community are trained in CPR, the entire community becomes safer. In neighborhoods or workplaces where many individuals know CPR, the response to a cardiac emergency can be faster and more effective. This widespread knowledge helps to bridge the gap between the time when an emergency occurs and when professional medical help arrives. As more people get certified, the overall public health improves, and the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims increase.

Boosting Confidence and Preparedness — Knowing CPR gives you the confidence to act in an emergency. Many people hesitate to help during medical crises because they fear making the situation worse or they assume that someone else will help. With CPR training, you will feel empowered and prepared to step in and provide the necessary aid. This sense of preparedness extends beyond cardiac emergencies. It can also help you stay calm and think clearly in other high-stress situations, making you a more effective responder.

Quick Action in Emergencies — When someone experiences cardiac arrest, every second counts. Brain damage can begin within minutes if the heart is not pumping oxygenated blood to the brain. CPR helps maintain blood flow, giving the victim a fighting chance until professional help arrives. By being trained in CPR, you can take immediate action, potentially preventing irreversible damage or death.

Complementing Other First Aid Skills — CPR is often taught alongside other essential first aid skills, such as how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), how to treat choking victims or how to handle bleeding injuries. Learning CPR usually means gaining a broader understanding of emergency response, making you a more capable first responder in a wide range of situations.

IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Many people avoid CPR training because they believe it’s too complicated or that they won't be able to perform it correctly. However, modern CPR training has been designed to be straightforward and accessible to everyone.

Hands-only CPR is a simplified version that requires only chest compressions, making it easy for anyone to learn and perform. Additionally, CPR certification courses are widely available, and some can be completed in just a few hours.

Learning CPR is a skill that can empower you to save lives, improve community safety and increase your own confidence and preparedness in emergencies. Whether at home, in the workplace, or out in public, knowing how to respond during a cardiac emergency can make all the difference.

Jeremy Albrecht is a manager with COMET Health. More information is available at 984-330-0921 or via email at jeremy@comet-health.com.