Knowing how to help someone in crisis is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to our families and communities. It’s not uncommon to hear a story that reminds us how important it is to be well trained to respond when help is critically needed.
Last fall a New Hampshire school nurse saved the life of a 16-year-old boy who collapsed from a sudden heart problem. She used an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and CPR chest compressions. Her training in the appropriate use of CPR and AED, and the presence of an AED device on the site, were major factors in assuring this happy ending.
June 1-7 is National CPR and AED Awareness Week. According to the American Red Cross, about 300,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest each year in the United States. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen at any time to anyone, and not just adults. An AED can be used on children 8 years of age or older or 55 lbs or more. Each minute that defibrillation is delayed the chance of survival for the victim is reduced by 10%.
A goal of the American Red Cross health and safety program is to save lives by promoting and encouraging public use of AEDs along with CPR. The Red Cross provides the training and can facilitate the purchase of AED devices so that “all Americans can be within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it.”
Is there at least one person in your household, school or business who is trained in use of CPR and an AED? Do you have ready access to an AED device at work or school? If you answered no to either of these questions, the American Red Cross can help.
Red Cross chapters in New Hampshire provide training in use of CPR and AEDs. During CPR and AED Awareness Week (June 1-7), there are special discounts on these and other classes. For more information on classes in CPR and AED, or purchasing an AED, you can contact your local chapter of the Red Cross; visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org; or call the NH Regional Office at 800-464-6692.
Maybe next time, you will be the person who can help assure a happy ending.
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