In America, cardiac arrest claims the lives of 436,000 people each year, according to a report by the American Heart Association. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of being prepared for such medical emergencies.
The Journal of the American Heart Association has identified socioeconomic vulnerability as the strongest predictor of cardiac arrest mortality. Factors such as body type, genetics, and diet also play a significant role in determining vulnerability to cardiac arrest.
To address the need for greater awareness and preparedness for cardiac emergencies, St. Joseph’s Health and the American Heart Association are working together during CPR and AED Awareness Week. They are reaching out to marginalized communities by providing free CPR Anytime training kits, which typically cost $45 each.
Christine Vona, a registered nurse for St. Joseph’s Health, emphasizes the importance of making CPR training accessible to everyone. Many individuals do not have the means to attend traditional CPR classes at firehouses, hospitals, or other centers. By distributing free training kits and resources, the goal is to empower more people to learn how to perform CPR and use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
St. Joseph’s Primary Care Center-West will be hosting a distribution event at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to provide these free CPR Anytime training kits. The initiative aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to cardiac emergencies, particularly since the majority of cardiac arrests outside of hospitals occur in homes.
Learning how to perform CPR and administer it promptly can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Hands-on CPR demonstrations will also be conducted during the event to further reinforce the importance of being prepared for such critical situations.
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