I just renewed my Basic Life Support certification, which means that I continue to be certified in CPR. Of course, you expect me to be able to administer CPR, but everyone can learn to do that.
Have you heard of the CPR challenge? Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills football player, has launched the #3forHeart CPR Challenge after a trainer used it to resuscitate him on the field. He is committed to encouraging the public to learn this lifesaving measure. This social media challenge consists of the following three steps:
- LEARN Hands-Only CPR by visiting the American Heart Association’s website to watch a 60-second video.
- GIVE by donating to the American Heart Association to fund scientific research for lifesaving programs and CPR education and training.
- SHARE #3forHeart to challenge three friends to do the same on social media
A cardiac arrest means the heart has stopped. It can happen when a person has a heart attack, chokes and stops breathing, drowns, and for a number of other reasons. No one ever wants to find themselves in a position where they must administer CPR, but it’s instrumental in saving lives.
If someone collapses after their heart stops beating, instituting CPR can double or triple their chance of survival. So with that in mind, please go ahead and learn CPR. Take the CPR challenge as a start.
But also know that the American Heart Association gives a more detailed course, so after you take the challenge, visit the website and find a class near you.
Knowledge is power; the more prepared you are for unforeseen events, the more likely you can contribute to a positive outcome.
I am challenging all of you reading this to join the challenge. You could save a life.