Heart Restart!

Here’s a scary situation: You’re out shopping with a friend. The two of you walk past a few stores, talking about where you want to go next, and suddenly your friend collapses. She’s had a heart attack and needs help — fast. What do you do?

I hope you never have to experience such a scenario in real life. Unfortunately, emergencies like this happen every day.

According to statistics from the American Heart Association, 70% of Americans don’t know what to do in a cardiac emergency.

Here’s what you should do in the hypothetical shopping mall situation:

• Check to see if your friend is responsive or breathing.

• Call 911, explain the situation to the dispatcher, and listen for instructions.

• If the dispatcher recommends you start CPR, and you know how, do so. If you don’t, shout for help.

Our Augusta Adult and Community Education Academic Coordinator, Cynthia Harris shares this article about the importance of having access and knowledge of how to operate an AED!

https://utswmed.org/medblog/aed-defibrillator-cardiac-arrest/