Learn how to save lives

More than 325,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest each year, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 95% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital, however, the chances of survival improve up to ten percent for every minute CPR is administered.

The second annual National CPR & AED Awareness Week will be held June 1-7. The goal for this week is to raise public awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and increase the chance of survival by training more people in CPR and the use of an AED.

An AED or automated external defibrillator is a portable electronic device used to restore normal heart rhythm in victims of cardiac arrest. This device automatically reads heart rhythm, measures and delivers the appropriate strength of electric shock to the victim.

AEDs can often be found in public gathering areas including restaurants, hotels, schools and shopping centers. They are highly visible and usually mounted in protective cases near the entrance of a building. These devices are designed to be easy to use and most first aid, first responder and basic CPR classes provide instruction for use.

CPR is a technique where a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions are delivered to victims in cardiac arrest. By administering CPR, a small amount of blood is able to flow to the heart and brain, increasing the chance of survival by buying time until normal heart function can be restored.

In observance of National CPR & AED Awareness Week, Marion Regional Healthcare System has several Beginner CPR Certification, CPR Recertification and First Responder classes scheduled for June 9-11. For information and class times call (843) 431-2080.