Knowing CPR Can Save a Life

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere. Are you prepared to save a life?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), Cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. It’s a leading cause of death in the US. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year in the US and 90% of those sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. However,statistics prove that if more people knew CPR, more lives could be saved.

Why Learn CPR?

• Cardiac arrests are more common than you think. They can happen to anyone, anywhere. And many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.When a person is in cardiac arrest, their survival depends on getting CPR immediately from someone nearby. That someone, could be you.
• AHA reports that if CPR is performed within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, you can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
• National Institutes of Health shows CPR to be effective in children and adolescents who suffer from non-traumatic cardiac arrest due to drowning, electrocution or choking.
• It’s likely the life you save, will be someone you love. AHA says that 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes.

Where can you get CPR Certified?

Catawba Valley Community College: CVCC offers both Initial and Recertification classes taught in accordance with the American Heart Health Care Provider guidelines. This class reviews the techniques of one and two rescuer, adult and pediatric CPR, obstructed airway, use of the pocket mask, plus much more.

Catawba Valley Medical Center: CVMC offers an Infant CPR to lamaze parents and grandparents where they learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation for infants. CVMC’s Health Frist Center also offers a Babysitting Class that prepares young idividuals with skills and competency to provide proper supervision, basic caregiving skills and responding properly to ill or injured children and/or infants. This class is offered to indivduals ages 12 and older. Upon completion, participants will receive education in babysitting basics, basic first aid and certification in CPR. The Health First Center also offers CPR Certification Class several times a year. Check back on our online calendar for updates.

How long is CPR certification valid? 2 years

If you are intestered in learning more about the CPR Certification opportunities at Catawba Valley Medical Center, contact the Health First Center Program Coordinator at healthfirst@catawbavalleymc.org or call 828.485.2300 ext.6201.