Training Prevents Tragedy

Millions watched the heroic efforts of athletic trainers and emergency services personnel during the NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals on Jan.

2. During the game, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is an unexpected medical condition resulting in unconsciousness, loss of breathing and loss of heart function. Because of the efforts of those on the scene, Hamlin was successfully resuscitated and is making a remarkable recovery.

According to the American Heart Association, 356,000 cardiac arrests occur annually outside of a hospital. Left untreated, these events can be fatal. With high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and early notification of the emergency response system, lives can be saved – as was the case with Hamlin. If you have been trained in CPR and encounter someone who may be in cardiac arrest, you can take the following life-saving actions:

• Ensure the scene is safe and call for help. Make sure there are no threats to you or others before you render aid. For example, be sure there is no moving traffic, fire or smoke, gas leaks or other situations that may put you and others in danger. Remember that if you get injured, you cannot provide aid.

• Begin CPR. If the person is unresponsive and not showing signs of life, begin chest compressions in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Push hard and push fast, and allow the chest to fully recoil with each compression.

• Use an AED. Follow the directions for use on the AED. Continue CPR while another person applies the AED pads. Continue to provide CPR until emergency responders arrive. Even when they arrive, continue compressions until an emergency responder takes over.

AEDs are widely available in schools, churches and shopping centers. However, without high-quality CPR, these devices have limited success. Learning to provide CPR is easy. Training is available through the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, many local healthcare systems and HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College. If you or your organization are interested in learning more about how you can learn CPR, please email cpr@hacc.edu. Together we can save lives.

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Theatre Thoughts/Barbara Trainin Blank