Marana, Arizona
Fire up that grill. Inflate the pool unicorn. Sport your stars and stripes. It’s 4th of July week!
As we make plans for pool parties and BBQs, make sure that first aid is at the top of your preparations list. While no one wishes for the worst-case scenario, we need to be prepared, especially living in a climate like ours. According to a study released by the American Heart Association, extreme heat can increase the risk of heart attack deaths, especially if the air quality is poor.
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in women in the US, but everyone is at risk (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). And it’s not just older adults. The American College of Cardiology found heart attacks are increasing for individuals 40 years and younger. Locally, Northwest Firefighters respond to an average of five cardiac arrests weekly.
According to the Northwest Fire District’s website, the minutes between the 9-11 call and the EMT’s arrival can be critical in saving a person’s life.
“At the Northwest Fire District, we’ve seen firsthand the dramatic difference bystanders make in a cardiac arrest situation. We want as many people as possible to learn Hands-Only CPR… so, pick the training style that works for you (online or in-person) and learn this life-saving skill today!”
While there is no substitute for formal CPR training or certification, watching the Continuous Chest Compression (Hands-Only CPR) video produced by The University of Arizona’s Sarver Heart Center can provide basic knowledge that could help save a person’s life in an emergency.
Click here to watch: Continuous Chest Compression CPR video.
Click here to watch: Learning How to use an AED video.
For decades there was only one method of CPR practiced that required rescue breathing and chest compressions. However, researchers at The University of Arizona’s renowned Sarver Heart Center found that by doing chest compressions only without mouth-to-mouth breathing, bystanders increase the person’s chance of survival. (Click here to learn more.)
While the Hands-Only CPR method is easier to enact, there are still instances in which regular CPR is recommended. We break down the two methods below. For more answers to your questions click here.
Hands-Only CPR (Continuous Chest Compression)
- Use this method on an adult or teenager who is experiencing primary cardiac arrest.
- How do you know if it’s primary cardiac arrest?
- The person is fine one moment and you suddenly see or hear them collapse.
Now it’s time to enact the 3 C’s.
- Check for responsiveness – Shake the person and shout, “Are you OK?”
- Call – Direct someone to call 9-1-1 or make the call yourself if the person is unresponsive and struggling to breathe (gasping or snoring). Say you suspect cardiac arrest.
- Compress – Begin forceful chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. Position the victim back down on the floor. Place the heel of one hand on top of the other and place the heel of the bottom hand on the center of the victim’s chest. Lock your elbows and compress the chest forcefully; make sure you lift up enough to let the chest recoil.
- If an AED (heart with lightening flash symbol) is available, turn the unit on and follow the voice instructions. If no AED (automated external defibrillator) is available, perform chest compressions continuously until the paramedics arrive. This is physically tiring so if someone else is available, take turns after each 100 chest compressions.
The Northwest Fire District offers Hands-Only CPR training for groups (e.g., your office, organization, etc.,) To schedule your training call (520) 887-1010, Ext. 1200.
Regular CPR (Chest Compressions Plus Breaths)
- Use regular CPR for secondary cardiac arrest.
- How do you know it’s secondary cardiac arrest?
- Secondary cardiac arrest results from a problem originating outside of the heart.
- For example, secondary cardiac arrest can result from drowning, narcotic-like drugs or respiratory (lung) failure.
- Remember, chest compressions plus breaths are preferred for people suffering from respiratory arrest due to drowning or drug overdose.
- Use this method on adults, teens,children or infants.
- In order to properly learn regular CPR, getting certified is recommended.
For a list of American Red Cross CPR certification classes (online or in-person) click here.
Thank you for taking the time to prioritize the health and safety of your neighbors, family and friends. We wish you a safe and celebratory 4th of July holiday!