CPR/AED Awareness Week
Celebrated June 1st-7th
More than 350,000 people suffer from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) each year and unfortunately, many individuals are not aware of the basic skills needed to perform Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that could help save lives during SCA emergencies. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 70% of Americans feel helpless during cardiac emergencies from not knowing how to administer CPR or from fear they would be liable due to their training being significantly lapsed.
What Influenced CPR/AED Awareness Week?
The lack of confidence in CPR performance and the use of an AED machine is why the AHA, in coalition with the American Red Cross and National Safety Council, created a designated week to bring awareness to performing CPR and AED usage. Each year, June 1st through the 7th spotlights how lives can be saved if more individuals make an effort to learn conventional CPR, how to use an AED and basic first aid. The week serves as a reminder that anyone can learn these lifesaving techniques and that bystanders can play an essential role in saving lives during a sudden cardiac emergency and increasing cardiac arrest victims’ chances by helping them immediately receive CPR.
Why Is CPR/AED Awareness Week Important?
CPR/AED Awareness Week is important for many reasons as it serves as a reminder that anyone can learn life-saving techniques and that bystanders can play an essential role in saving lives.
Raises Awareness around CPR/AED
-
- Increasing awareness during National CPR/AED Awareness Week can help more people be prepared to respond in the event of an emergency ultimately saving more lives. This creates a domino effect. The more people who become aware of the importance of knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED, the more people they will spread their knowledge with who will then share their knowledge with even more people.
Encourages Public Involvement
-
- CPR/AED Awareness Week emphasizes that CPR and AEDs are not just for healthcare professionals. Anyone can learn these lifesaving techniques, and by doing so, they can help make a difference and save lives.
Debunks Myths around CPR/AEDs
-
- Some people might typically hesitate to perform hands-only CPR because they are afraid of being liable in the event they hurt the victim or worse – their skills fail. However, this week is all about debunking these types of myths and educating individuals on regulations like the Good Samaritan Law. This law protects individuals who attempt to provide assistance in an emergency.
Gives Confidence
-
- Another benefit of AED/CPR week is the reinforcement it has on the importance of bystanders’ willingness to act during a cardiac arrest emergency. SCA can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone. Early action is critical and having the confidence to perform CPR and act quickly can help improve the outcome for a victim.
How Can You Get Involved?
If you want to be a part of CPR and AED awareness week, the first step is to learn CPR and AED skills. Heartsmart offers a variety of CPR/AED training courses that are instructor-led classroom courses and virtual/online options so you can choose which option is best for you.
Another way is to spread the word! Sharing information about CPR and AED awareness week can help spread the word among friends, family, and your social community. We encourage you to use social media to spread the word and encourage others to learn these lifesaving techniques. Follow Heartsmart’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for shareable resources!
Lastly, if you are an employer or community leader, consider offering or even requiring CPR and AED training for your employees or community members. Let us help be an ally for you in creating a safer community not just this week, but all year long!