As first responders and critical care healthcare providers, we understand the importance of early CPR and the use of AEDs. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding CPR and AED use is that only healthcare professionals or first responders should intervene during a cardiac emergency. As we all know, bystander intervention is often the deciding factor in whether someone survives.
CPR & AED Awareness Week serves as an important reminder that anyone, regardless of medical background, can make a life-saving difference by learning CPR and how to use an AED.
- Each year, more than 350,000 EMS-assessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur nationwide.
- According to the American Heart Association, nearly 90% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital don’t survive.
- Immediate CPR and rapid use of an AED can double or even triple the patient’s chance of survival. Even hands-only CPR can significantly improve outcomes.
The importance of CPR & AED Awareness Week became nationally recognized on December 13, 2007, when Congress unanimously passed a resolution designating the annual observance. Since then, the week has focused on educating communities about the lifesaving benefits of CPR training and AED accessibility. The goal is simple: empower more people to act confidently during emergencies.
CPR & AED Awareness Week is also an opportunity for families and workplaces to prepare for emergencies. Taking a few simple steps — such as locating the nearest AED in the workplace, refreshing CPR knowledge, or enrolling in a certification course — can make a tremendous difference.
What is your agency or community doing to help promote early bystander CPR and AED application this week? Let us know and tag us on social media so that we can share some of your good work.