Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential if someone nearby suffers cardiac arrest. We saw it work for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on live TV, and there are similar success stories every day.
UR Medicine is working with the American Heart Association to expand CPR readiness in the region with placement of a mobile, hands-only CPR training station at The Campus Center, near Starbucks, beginning August 20.
“When someone experiences cardiac arrest, bystander response with CPR can help save their life. Anyone in our community can learn CPR and UR Medicine is making it easier to acquire the skills,” said Spencer Rosero, MD, of UR Medicine Cardiac Care. “
The teaching station includes a touchscreen with a video program to provide a brief training followed by a practice session and a 30-second test. It is equipped with a built-in, rubber torso, or manikin, to guide proper hand placement and compression rate and depth, and provides real-time feedback to strengthen technique. And the music selection – to help you keep a steady rhythm – is impressive.
“CPR preparedness is crucial when someone suffers cardiac arrest. Swift response with chest compressions until emergency responders arrive can make the difference in their survival,” said Stephanie Von Bacho, EdD, MSEd, MS, RN, NEA-BC, director of Learning and Development for UR Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, and University of Rochester.”
Since its introduction a year ago, thousands of people have learned to be lifesavers and are ready to respond if a loved one, friend or stranger suffers a heart emergency.
“We know that in order to save more lives from the 350,000 cardiac arrests that occur outside of the hospital every year, we must increase the number of people who respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911, delivering high-quality CPR and getting and using an AED as soon as it is available,” Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association, Rochester
Here’s why the decision to learn CPR is critical:
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- More than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals every year in the U.S. That’s about 1,000 each day.
- Most times it happens in the home or workplace.
- Only 1 in 10 people will survive. And the vast majority of cardiac arrest victims will never even make it to an emergency room.
- Immediate CPR can double or triple their chances of survival.
- Unfortunately, seven in 10 people report being unprepared to act in the face of a cardiac emergency.
- Less than half of all people who need this CPR will receive it from bystanders before emergency responders arrive.
- CPR education is readily available:
- Use the CPR training kiosk The Campus Center.
- Check out a learn-at-home kit from any Monroe County library branch.
- Go to urmc.edu for updates on CPR education opportunities.