June 17, 2016, by Jerry Nelson – Ever since 1957 when the military first introduced CPR training, millions of people worldwide have learned the technique to save a life.
First taught to troops assigned to the medical corps, it wasn’t long before training was incorporated into boot camp regimen.
Knowing CPR saves lives and attitudes have changed. In the 1970s ambulance drivers were not allowed to perform CPR as the procedure was considered a medical process – to be performed only by medical-school-trained physicians.
Now, CPR training is available to everyone. Chicago is fortunate to have several hundred places available where anyone can learn CPR.
But first, three reasons why you should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation:
Sudden cardiac arrest is in the top three causes of death in America. Most individuals who experience a cardiac arrest away from a hosptial do not get cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander; their chances of surviving are lessened.
CPR is simple to learn and is taught to thousands each year.
1. CPR saves lives. Over 300,000 persons have heart attacks each year in America. The heart no long pumps blood, effectively and a person suddenly collapses, loses consciousness and stops breathing. By performing CPR, the victim’s blood keeps circulating until medical personnel arrive. The chances of surviving a heart attack increases by 50 percent if CPR is started quickly.
2. Easy to learn. Hands-only CPR is simple to learn. There are many sites to see online videos as well as formal classes to see how to perform CPR properly. Find the learning model which works besot for you.
3. Most happen in the home. Over 80 percent of heart attacks happen at home. Take the challenge and if you don’t know CPR, learn. Gaining the confidence in knowing if you are needed, you can save a life.
While the nation has an thousands of CPR training centers, the top ten can be found here
Author Bio: Jerry Nelson, a Vietnam Veteran, is an American writer and photojournalist and is always interested in discussing future work opportunities. Email him at jandrewnelson2@gmail.com and join the million-or-so who follow him on Twitter @Journey_America.