CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is something every person should learn to administer. Accidents and illnesses can happen anywhere and without any warning. Below are five reasons you need to know CPR.
- Many serious accidents and illnesses occur in the home.
It's estimated that up to 88% of cardiac arrests will happen in an individual's home. Whether you live in an isolated rural area or in a high rise apartment in a congested city, it can sometimes take longer than expected for emergency personnel to arrive. From a statistical standpoint, the life you save when giving a person CPR is likely to be a loved one.
- CPR is easy to learn.
Contrary to what many people believe, a person doesn't have to do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to conduct CPR. Hands-only CPR can be performed, and this method is relatively easy to learn. Since 2008, the American Heart Association has been recommending hands-only CPR. According to the American Red Cross, it only takes a few hours to learn CPR.
- Infants sometimes need CPR.
While adults generally need CPR due to cardiac arrest or a heart attack, infants more often need it because of respiratory problems that can lead to cardiac arrest. Choking, suffocation, and other breathing problems can happen more easily to babies.
- Many situations call for CPR.
CPR is often needed for situations other than cardiac arrest. Strokes, prescription drug overdoses, allergic reactions, and choking are but a few cases in which knowing CPR could save a person's life.
- It's effective.
Even a few seconds can make a big difference after an accident or a cardiac arrest has occurred. CPR performed effectively can mean the difference between life and death.
