The Need to know CPR

We've seen it before, Michael "Squints" Palledorous (from the famous movie Sandlot") feigns trouble swimming when he is pulled from the public swimming pool and given CPR from the love of his life, Wendy Peffercorn. It's well-known that CPR is essential for lifeguards and for victims who are struggling with breathing properly; however, did you know that CPR can save the lives of victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and if you know CPR - you can possibly save a life?

There are more ways to learn CPR than having to attend a lifeguard training course. Many local recreation centers or community centers offer basic level CPR courses that will teach you how to respond quickly which uncertainty strikes. Emergency medical services can take up to 10 minutes to respond to a distress call, therefore making the first minutes after an attack essential in saving a life. CPR from a bystander can increase the chances of survival by nearly 30%!

Another helpful measure in saving lives is to have a basic understanding of how to use an AED, or an automated external defibrillator. When applied correctly, this machine can improve the odds of survival by an upwards of 50%. The instructions will be read aloud from an automated voice through the machine and the directions given clearly. When a bystander takes a stand and a course of action, many times it will save a life.

Learn more about how to apply for an AED by visiting www.Living4Zachary.org.

Having an AED in your workplace

When an emergency occurs and a co-worker or customer experiences symptoms of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), the time to respond is immediately — it very well will be life-saving.

What are the benefits to having an AED in the work place?
Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood that the local fire department or emergency medical services will be able to respond immediately. Research indicates that a victim loses nearly a 10% chance of surviving if an AED is not applied and used immediately. This means that if local EMS cannot respond within minutes, the victim is facing a minimal chance of survival. That is why have AED in the workplace is so crucial to have.

Imagine this scenario: In the middle of a business meeting, a co-worker experience chest pains and begins to breathe heavily, sounding almost like a dog panting. He immediately falls from his chair and lands on the floor unconscious. Your first step in response should always be to alert emergency officials; however, the clock begins ticking now. If your company possesses an AED on the premises, you are able to begin CPR, apply the AED, and begin following the directions that the AED gives verbally. He or she is shocked back to consciousness. You've bought your co-worker very precious time, as the EMS arrives nearly 10 minutes later and more than likely saved a life.

Since Sudden Cardiac Arrest can affect anyone, it is crucial that you and your co-workers be proactive in requesting an AED in your business. After all, it could make the difference in life or death for one of your partners... or for you.

According to the Heart Rhythm Society , more than 250,000 deaths occur each year as a result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). In fact, SCA claims one life every two minutes, taking more lives each year than breast cancer, lung cancer or AIDS. To decrease this death toll, Living for Zachary donates Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to qualified organizations in the community. This life-saving device plays a crucial role in resuscitating someone that has collapsed due to SCA.

To apply for an AED donation complete the following application and return it to Mark Gonzales at mark@living4zachary.org or fax it to 972.478.5858. All applications are reviewed by our Donation Committee and approved based on eligibility. Applicants will be notified by email of decision within 45 days from date of submission.