Can you save your Loved One's Life?

When cardiovascular emergencies strike, whether it is a coworker collapsing on the office floor or a family member at the dinner table, it can be a horrifying thing. So scary, in fact, that “70% of Americans say they feel helpless to react during cardiovascular emergencies” according to CPR statistics from Heart.org.

To break it down, the life you save with the CPR skill-set could be the life of a family member or friend. It is likely that CPR will save the life of someone you love.

CPR has a misunderstood need. Often times, people assume that CPR is only applicable around summer swimming pools and only to be administered by lifeguards and other professionals.

While it is true that CPR is a necessity for all lifeguards (for most it is a requirement), learning CPR is applicable far beyond the pool.

Four out of five cardiac emergencies happen at home. The scenes are often very similar: a family is gathered together over a meal when a family member collapses onto the floor or friends are exercising together when one gets dizzy and appears to have fainted.

What many don’t know is that both situations are alarming and underestimated. The lack of administered CPR can lead to an over 70% increase in the rate of fatalities among those who have fallen victim to heart complications.

What does this mean? If you don’t know CPR, it is likely that emergency services will not be able to respond quickly enough to save the life of one of your loved ones. Stay active and be prepared in all circumstances – learn CPR. 

Living for Zachary will be hosting a Free Heartsaver CPR AED Certification Class on June 1 9a-11:30am. This great Living for Zachary CPR event will be held at the YMCA at 3300 McDermott Rd Plano, TX 75025.  In celebration of CPR/AED Awareness Week { June 1-7 } Living for Zachary will be hosting a free Heartsaver CPR AED Certification Class lead by Save A Life.

Honor your Father and learn CPR to save a life...

Sometimes the small,easy tasks are those that pay off the largest. In saying this- we want to remind everyone the importance of learning CPR, it is actually a gift to all to know it. It is super easy and quick and it's offered in so many places for you to keep putting it off. What a perfect way to to honor someone you love.

Heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States and 80% of those who are struck with cardiac arrest will be in their home.. The American Heart Association calls CPR the "chain of survival." Because of the series of actions performed in sequence during CPR, it greatly increases the chance of survival for the patient.

Many schools from elementary age through high school are now requiring all students to learn and be certified in CPR. This may be the best way for your child to learn the techniques and get a hands on learning experience. For adults who may not have those resources, The American Red Cross offers classes at your nearest location and also has a printout on their website to remind you of what should be done. Another great place for learning CPR is your local hospital. Often, they will offer free classes and you will be able to train with a technician or nurse.

We want you to always be prepared in case of an emergency. Just knowing CPR techniques could help you save someone's life. If your Father is alive this Father's Day - honor him by learning CPR, if he is no longer with you - honor him more by wanting to save a life.

If you haven't had a certification or taken a class on CPR we're asking that you do! And if you're already certified, please keep it up to date and for all the Father's -  Living for Zachary would like to wish you a wonderful, happy and heart healthy Father's Day!

Celebrate the Hands of Time - 50 years of CPR - Learn it today!

Would you know what to do if someone around you went into cardiac arrest? It is likely most people would say "Sure! I would do CPR," but often there is a lot of misconception about performing CPR - this is a mistake that could cost a life.

Mouth-to-mouth is probably the first thing that pops in to mind when mentioning CPR. As strange as it seems to do mouth-to-mouth on a stranger, you may come upon a situation that requires you to perform this life saving action. However, you do need to know that when skipping mouth-to-mouth and immediately beginning chest compressions you will increase the victims chances of surviving by 25%.



CPR, or chest compressions, may also bring about a concern for the victim. Many times people worry about hurting the victim by breaking their ribs. This chance becomes more common as a person ages and becomes older and their bones are more brittle. But if a victim only has broken ribs in the end, it will be worth it! Broken ribs are nothing compared to living.

If a situation approaches and you are not able to get to the victim, you can still save try and save a life. Dial 911. By only dialing 911 the victim has a 1 in 20 chance of living with all functions intact. These functions are as life changing and often leave a person unable to do normal daily activities like walking, talking, and seeing.

It can also make a world of difference that someone has taken a CPR class and has become certified. To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of CPR, take a class and get smart about CPR and saving lives this holiday season.

The American Red Cross offers local classes to any individual interested in becoming CPR certified. Information about CPR Classes, visit the Red Cross Website or visit the American Heart Association website. It is so easy to find out where a CPR class is, just simply type in your area - it's that easy. Make a promise for 2011 that you will become CPR certified and help keep other's alive.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and New Year from all of us at
Living for Zachary!