JUNE 6, 2025 – The Recognized the first week of June annually, CPR and AED awareness week reminds the public crucial lifesaving skills can be and how they can make a difference between life and death.
The recognition week was established by Congress in 2007 in collaboration with the American Red Cross, American Heart Association and National Safety Council.
“CPR and AED awareness week isn’t just about learning skills,” said Mike Kerr, chief of safety, Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “It’s about preparedness.”
“As more people head outdoors, we want everyone to enjoy their time safely and be able to respond if an unexpected situation happens,” said Kerr.
The Food and Drug Administration defines AEDs as a type of computerized defibrillator that automatically analyzes the heart rhythm in people who are experiencing cardiac arrest and delivers an electrical shock to restore the normal rhythm when appropriate.
There are two main types of AED, public access and professional use. The public access AEDs are intended to be used by laypeople who have received minimal training.
The American Heart Association says public access AEDs are designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions on how to use them in case of an emergency. Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during a cardiac arrest is to use an AED.
When performed correctly, CPR significantly increases a person’s chance of survival. According to the Red Cross, “survival chances decrease by 10% for every minute that immediate CPR and use of an AED is delayed, and immediate CPR can triple the chance of survival when bystanders take action.”
The American Heart Association states that drowning is the third leading cause of death from unintentional injury worldwide. Knowing CPR could be the key to saving someone’s life.
In a water emergency every second counts. When someone is pulled from the water unconscious or not breathing, CPR can be a critical component to keeping them alive until professional help arrives.
Recognizing the signs of drowning, such as struggling to keep the head above water, sudden silence, or unresponsiveness, is key to a quick response. According to the National Drowning Alliance, knowing CPR helps facilitate an immediate response, which increases the chances of survival and recovery.
Other outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and camping also carry risks, including falls and other medical emergencies, that may occur when people are far from help.
When exploring trails or camping, being prepared means more than packing water, food, and bug spray. It also means having a first aid kit and knowing how to perform CPR. Having this lifesaving skill protects not only your friends and family but also other outdoor enthusiasts you may encounter.
“We want everyone who visits our lakes, parks and recreation areas to stay safe, but be prepared,” said Amanda Palmer, Tulsa District chief of recreation. “Knowing CPR, recognizing hazards and staying safe around water can help ensure everyone returns home safely.”
The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association provide CPR and training courses. There are courses widely available in-person or online which typically only take a few hours to complete.
Story by Stacey Reese
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District