The Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) joined Candice Smith on NBC12 to talk about the importance of learning Hands Only CPR. RAA and AHA are teaming up to provide free demonstrations and hundreds of Hands Only CPR kits at two different events in June.
June 15 – Community Day
Richmond Fire Department 21 – 2505 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Richmond
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
June 26 – 20th Annual Summer Safety Fair
Chimborazo Park – 3215 E. Broad Street, Richmond
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
The free CPR Anytime Kits® include a Mini Anne® manikin and a CPR skills practice DVD which allows recipients to learn basic lifesaving skills in about 20 minutes from the comfort and privacy of their home or workplace. Hands-Only CPR has two simple steps: when you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 911; and then, push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.
“African Americans have twice as many cardiac arrests compared to whites in the City of Richmond, and Latinos are 27 percent less likely than whites to receive CPR,” said Michelle Nostheide, executive director of the American Heart Association. “We especially want to make sure we are reaching these members of our community with this life saving skill at our upcoming community events so that more lives can be saved.”
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year in the U.S. About 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die, according to the Association. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Yet, less than half of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from a bystander.
“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation is dedicated to supporting important initiatives that empower both communities to become actively engaged in their health and wellness,” said Maureen Dempsey, M.D., senior clinical officer, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “Most people feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they don’t know how to perform CPR, or they may be afraid. But the training and education provided at this event will help everyone acquire a comfort level and confidence with performing CPR.”
“Sudden cardiac arrest happens to people of all ages and most often in the home. Imagine your parent, grandparent, child or friend collapsing from cardiac arrest. Fast and effective CPR can greatly improve the chance of survival in situations like this,” said Chip Decker, CEO for Richmond Ambulance Authority.
