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What Is the Purpose of Learning CPR & First Aid?

Accidents and injuries are quite frequent in today's society and often happen in a heartbeat. Therefore, CPR and first aid are two imperative skills to encompass in order to make a difference in such situations. The ability to jump into action promptly, using either CPR and first aid--or both--can mean the difference between life and death.

  1. CPR Facts

    • Cardiac arrest takes place 80 percent of the time at home, at work or on the road. Of the people who go into cardiac arrest, 6.4 percent survive because someone near or around them knew how to perform CPR.

    Cardiac Arrest

    • Cardiopulmonary arrest is an unexpected halt of blood to the heart, which then shuts down the entire body and can result in death. Timely involvement from someone who is capable of performing CPR or first aid can make the difference in the outcome.

    CPR

    • According to the American Heart Association, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest. If performed adequately within 2 to 6 minutes of an incident, a life can be saved.

    First Aid

    • First aid save lives and prevents conditions from worsening. You can use a first aid kit to help a bleeding victim, by applying pressure and gauze to the area until the paramedics arrive.

    Benefits

    • CPR and first aid skills can benefit you for a lifetime. At any moment, you may be needed to lend a helping hand for a medical emergency. Familiarity with these techniques can allow you to save a life.

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