According tothe American Heart Association , 70 % of cardiac arrests – electrical malfunctions in the heart that cause an irregular heartbeat ( arrhythmia ) and disrupt the flow of blood tothe brain , lungs and other organs – occur at home , but often family and friends who witness achild , spouse , parent or friend going into cardiac arrest hesitate to perform potentially lifesaving CPR for fear of making the situation worse .

“ By equipping people with Hands-Only CPR training , we are empowering them

to spring into action if aloved one needs help , as the majority of cardiac arrests occur at home ,” saidDr . Anezi Uzendu , M . D ., interventional cardiologist and American Heart Association volunteer .

As partof its Hands-OnlyCPR campaign , nationally supported by the Elevance Health Foundation , the American Heart Association aims to increase awareness about the importance of bystander CPR and offers these two simple steps : 1 . Call 911 . 2 . Push hardand fast in thecenter of the chest of the individual experiencing cardiac arrest .

Using the beat of a familiar songwith 100-120 beats per minute , such as “ Stayin ’ Alive ” by the Bee Gees , can help you stay on pace with the necessary compressions .

“ Being able to efficiently perform

Hands-Only CPR in the moment can mean the difference between life and death , and by followingthesetwo simple steps we can increase someone ’ s chance of survival from cardiac arrest ,” said Shantanu Agrawal , M . D ., boardcertified emergency medicine doctor and chief health officer at Elevance Health . “ As a longstanding supporter of the American Heart Association , we remain focused on working together to improve health inequities in our communities by expandingaccess to training and increasing the number of people who learn and feel confident performing Hands-Only CPR to save lives .”

To find more information , watch a livestreamvideodemonstrationofHands- Only CPR or download afirst aid smartphone app , visit heart . org / CPR . ( Family Features )

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