Be Prepared to Save a Life: Prompt the Importance of Bystander CPR

A message from Officer Rebecca Duffy and Fire-Life Safety Educator Jackie O’Hara

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, emergencies can strike when least expected. Picture this scenario: someone you love collapses suddenly before your eyes. Would you know how to help them? This frightening situation isn’t uncommon; over 70% of cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital, often in homes. Shockingly, only about 40% of those experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive immediate assistance before first responders arrive.

Cardiac arrest, an electrical malfunction in the heart leading to irregular heartbeat, is a leading cause of death in adults. Without immediate help, survival chances plummet by 10% for every minute without CPR. Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest—sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and abnormal or no breathing—is crucial.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety: Check the area for hazards.
2. Assess Responsiveness: Tap and shout for a response.
3. Call for Help: If unresponsive, call 911 and request an AED.
4. Check Breathing: Scan for normal breathing.
5. Perform CPR: If not breathing normally, begin chest compressions at a rate of 100- 120 per minute.
6. Continue until Help Arrives: Keep compressions going until help arrives or an AED is available.
7. Use an AED: Follow instructions upon its arrival.

Learning high-quality CPR can save lives. Are you ready to act in an emergency? Becoming CPR certified could be the difference between life and death, especially since most cardiac arrests occur at home. Fear and lack of education often deter people from getting certified, but education and training can overcome this.

Compression-only CPR for adults offers an alternative to mouth-to-mouth, making it more accessible and less intimidating. CPR courses teach proper techniques and familiarize participants with AEDs, vital in saving lives.

Despite the importance of bystander CPR, studies show many don’t receive it. Fear and hesitation are common barriers, but they can be overcome through education and regular training. If you’ve hesitated before, reconsider. CPR certification prepares you to act confidently in emergencies, potentially saving a life.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District offers Hybrid CPR classes that are done online and in person, Friends and Family CPR, in-person classes and more. Although traditional in-person CPR classes have had low registration attendance in the past, it only takes 90 seconds to learn Hands-Only CPR. Help us spread the word and encourage others to learn CPR.

Moreover, the Manhattan Police Department has joined forces with Manhattan Fire by educating the public. They now have an Officer who is a CPR Instructor.
So, don’t wait for someone else to step up—be prepared to be the hero. Sign up for a CPR course today. It’s not just a certification; it’s a plan to save lives.
You can visit manhattanfire.org or heart.org/cpr for more information and the current class schedule.