Thursday, November 5, 2009

What's keeping you from learning CPR? (Canada)

"Picture this: You're at home or at work, and someone you know - your grandfather or your co-worker - suddenly collapses. You realize that he has stopped breathing and his heart has stopped beating. In other words, he is in cardiac arrest, a serious medical emergency. Would you know what to do? Given the fact that 80% of the approximately 40,000 cardiac arrests in Canada occur at home or in public places, you may be faced with this very real scenario. In fact, 35% to 55% of cardiac arrests are witnessed by a family member, co-worker or friend. When a person is in cardiac arrest, seconds count. The first thing anyone should do is call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. If CPR is performed, the likelihood of someone surviving until emergency personnel arrive is 30%. CPR used in combination with an Automated External Defibrillator increases survival rates to 50% or more." - Heart and Stroke Foundation

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