Increasing bystander CPR given priority by heart expertsThere is a very high chance that people suffering from a heart attack will survive if the people aiding them are helped by 911 or emergency services dispatchers. This is often done through the phone before the paramedics arrive. The professionals can talk the bystanders through the process and help them save the life of the patient. This statement is has been backed up by the AHA (American Heart Foundation).

The main objective of the foundation is to make sure that the number of bystanders having the ability to perform CPR increases significantly. This will subsequently increase the frequency in which the procedure is performed during emergencies.

E. Brooke Lerner, one of the associate professors of emergency medicine based at Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, said that it’s something important that should be put into action. She noted that having 911 dispatchers tell you what to do isn’t something commonly heard off.

Statement from AHA

Brooke said that it is quite uncommon for 911 dispatchers to tell the callers on how the process of CPR is done.  The statement from the AHA and I quote

‘Dispatchers should assess whether someone has had a cardiac arrest and if so, tell the caller how to administer CPR immediately.

 Dispatchers should confidently give hands-only CPR instructions for adults who have had a cardiac arrest not caused by asphyxia (as in drowning)

Communities should measure performance of dispatchers and local EMS agencies, including how long it takes until CR is begun.

Performance measurements should be part of a quality assurance program involving the entire emergency response system, including EMS and hospitals ’

The above statement was released on the 9th of January. It was published on the very same day and in a journal known as Circulation.

In depth look at cardiac arrests and CPR

A person is said to experience a cardiac arrest when there is a problem with the electric impulses of their heart. These impulses are responsible for movement of the heart and the heart stops beating when there a problem is experienced. Unfortunately, only 11% of people who suffer from a cardiac arrest when outside a hospital setting get to survive.

Over 380,000 people in the United States are monitored by EMS after a sudden heart attack each year. Early CPR and quick assessments are some of the things that help increase the survival rate of the person suffering from cardiac arrest. Other things that can improve survival rates include post-cardiac arrest care, advanced life support and defibrillation.

It’s very understandable that people who don’t know anything about CPR will be scared to do anything. It is important to contribute as your actions can help save a life. It’s actually better to do something than nothing at all. Chances of you hurting them even further are very slim. You can always start by calling the paramedics or 911 dispatchers who will walk you through the steps involved in helping save the life.