February is American Heart Month, and experts are reminding people you do not need medical credentials to save someone’s life. All you need is some basic knowledge and the courage and willingness to perform CPR.
More than 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in homes and the person’s survival depends on immediate action.
Tia Sherry, owner of River City Bicycles in Portland, learned the lesson last fall after her husband, Dave Guettler, collapsed with no warning while on a bike ride.
“Whether you’re CPR-certified or not, you are the first responder until help arrives,” Sherry explained. “You never think you’re going to use it, especially with your loved one. And I’m so glad that I stayed on top of my certification because it kept Dave alive.”
Sherry added after a quadruple bypass surgery and many months of cardio rehab, Dave is doing much better and is back on his bike.
Research shows CPR, when performed immediately, can triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. However, bystanders step in to help with CPR only about 40% of the time, and women and Black adults are less likely to receive CPR than others. Sherry encouraged everyone to at least learn the basics so you can be confident when you need to.
“For those that are concerned or worried, or think that they don’t know how to do CPR, what are the options?” Sherry pointed out. “That somebody dies with you because you didn’t try?”
People can learn hands-only CPR through an online video offered by the American Heart Association or visit the group’s website to find a local CPR class.
