Hamlin's collapse highlights importance of CPR
According to the American Heart Association, CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
According to the American Heart Association, CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
According to the American Heart Association, CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
On Monday night, the world watched as 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle. Hamlin was administered CPR on the field before being rushed to a Cincinnati hospital.
According to the American Heart Association, CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
"One of the amazing things that did happen during those terrible events was that Damar received almost immediate CPR right there on the field, which is absolutely critical," explained Leeanna McKibben, an American Heart Association volunteer expert.
McKibben says the American Heart Association estimates that only 35 to 40 percent of people who experience a cardiac arrest actually receive CPR.
Hands only CPR can be done by anyone, for anyone. You don't have to be certified, you just need to know what to do. It is simple and requires only two steps. The first step is to call emergency services. The second step is to push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute. The American Heart Association says to think of the tempo to the Bee Gee's song "Stayin' Alive" or "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston.
CPR is critical because it can help keep the heart pumping and blood flowing to vital organs until an electrical shock from a defibrillator or AED is available to restore the heart to a normal heart rhythm.
The American Heart association offers a free video that walks people through the proper way to administer CPR. You can also sign up and take a class to become CPR certified.