By Learning CPR You Can Save Lives

April 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Recently in Milton, Washington two students successfully commandeered an out of control school bus to a stop and performed CPR on the bus driver that was suffering cardiac arrest. Surveillance video shows 13-year-old Jeremy Wuitschick rushing down the aisle and grabbing the wheel Monday morning .Wuitschick and another student, Johnny Wood, who trained in first aid by the Red Cross, started chest compressions on the driver until adults arrived. Although many people realize the value of learning CPR, not as many actually learn CPR unless it is a requirement for a job or volunteer organization.

The truth about learning CPR is that it can prevent deaths. If a bystander performs CPR correctly after sudden cardiac arrest, it can double or triple the victim’s chance of survival. Unfortunately, only 32% of cardiac arrest victims get CPR from a bystander. Statistics show that in cities, like Seattle, WA, where CPR training is widespread and defibrillation is used quickly, the survival rate is approximately 30%. Conversely, in a city such as New York where CPR training is not widespread and defibrillation equipment is not readily available, a cardiac arrest victim’s survival rate is only 1-2%.
As evidenced in the Jeremy Wuitschick story, there is no age minimum age requirement to learn CPR. The ability to perform CPR is based on body strength not age. According to the American Heart Association, studies have shown that kids as young as 9 years old can learn and retain CPR skills.

With statistics such as these it is imperative that more people learn CPR and become first responders in situations of cardiac arrest. CPR training is available to everyone regardless of age or group affiliation.

If you are interested in CPR training for your office, social or civic organization you can contact Tom Hudak, certified BLS CPR instructor at 203-264-0866. Tom is available to teach any size group and also offers discounts for fundraising events. To get more information visit Tom’s Page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/TomHudakBlsCertifiedCprInstructor...