October is also National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month; learn CPR and AED skills
Today is World Restart a Heart Day, and the American Red Cross of Utah is urging all Utahns to learn lifesaving skills. With over 350,000 Americans experiencing cardiac arrest each year, it is crucial to know how to respond to a cardiac emergency.
World Restart a Heart Day falls during National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a critical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, affecting individuals of any age, even those who appear healthy. Immediate intervention is crucial, as SCA can result in death within minutes. Survival greatly improves when bystanders quickly call 911, initiate CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), as recommended by the National Academy of Medicine.
The Red Cross emphasizes that every minute counts when the heart stops. “With three out of four cardiac arrests happening at home or work, any one of us might need to step in and perform CPR to save the life of someone we know or love,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “We encourage everyone to learn CPR or hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breathing) and be prepared to act swiftly and confidently during an emergency.”
SCA differs from a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage interrupting blood flow to the heart. SCA involves the heart suddenly stopping due to factors like arrhythmias, structural heart problems or physical stress, such as during sports activities.
Get the Red Cross training you need
The Red Cross offers a variety of certified training classes, including traditional CPR and hands-only CPR, available in-person, online or through hybrid courses. The Red Cross also provides AED certification, teaching how to use a defibrillator to restart the heart, potentially preventing death and brain damage. For more information, visit redcross.com/take-a-class.
The Red Cross also provides free hands-only CPR training to schools, businesses, community groups and religious organizations. To request a presentation, visit rdcrss.org/3KdoALo. “CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest,” Ruster said. “Maintaining blood flow, even partially, extends the window for successful resuscitation once medical professionals arrive on the scene.”
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app
The Red Cross First Aid app offers instant access to information on handling common first aid emergencies, including CPR and AED usage, in both English and Spanish. The app is compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices and can be downloaded by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.
National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
In 2008, the U.S. Congress designated October as National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month to raise public awareness about warning signs, risk factors and lifesaving responses during a cardiac emergency. Started in 2018, World Restart a Heart Day is observed annually on October 16 to promote learning CPR and how to use an AED.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
