National CPR and AED Awareness Week

National CPR and AED Awareness Week

June 1-7 each year is National CPR and AED Awareness Week. This week spotlights how to save lives. If more Americans learned CPR and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) survival rates would increase. Did you know about 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes? If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love. Be the difference for your parent, spouse, or child. Learn CPR and how to use an AED.

The awareness color that supports National CPR and AED Awareness Week is red. Wear a red enamel awareness pin, fabric ribbon, or red silicone wristband for this important awareness event.

History of National CPR and AED Awareness Week

n 2007, the American Heart Association in coalition with the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council worked collaboratively to designate a federal National CPR and AED Awareness Week. On December 13, 2007, Congress unanimously passed a resolution to set aside June 1-7 each year. National CPR and AED Awareness Week spotlights how lives can be saved. More Americans need to know CPR and how to use an AED. This awareness campaign reinforces CPR skills and also places importance on the willingness of bystanders to act in a cardiac arrest emergency.

Every Second Counts

The American Red Cross stresses that every second counts in cardiac arrest. People can save lives by knowing how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. More than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest annually in the United States. Sadly, only 11 percent survive. For every minute without immediate CPR and use of an AED, survival chances drop 10 percent.

If you see someone collapse without warning, take immediate action with these three steps:

Call 911.

Start CPR.

Use an AED.

Train for the moments that matter. Whether you are a healthcare worker, a workplace responder or a member of the public, the Red Cross offers a variety of online, blended (online content with in-class skills session) and instructor-led classroom courses. These are all compliant with public health guidance.

Several Red Cross training courses satisfy requirements set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (first aid, CPR and AED training) And, The Joint Commission (resuscitation education). Check with your employer as to what class you need if you are taking training to fulfill a job requirement.

Additional Information

You’ll find additional information and can enter your zip code to find training in your area by going to the CPR and AED training section of the American Red Cross website. Or, if you are a business or organization, help get employees trained in CPR and AED. The Red Cross can also help you or your organization facilitate the purchase of an AED, accessories, and service and maintenance plans.

The free Red Cross First Aid app provides users with instant access to information on sudden cardiac arrest, performing CPR, and other emergencies.

Train safely, effectively and confidently. While work environments have been altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, preparedness has not. This ensures the health and safety of others. The American Heart Association continues to support the need for training in resuscitation, CPR and First Aid with remote-friendly training solutions. They also provide easy access to on-demand learning. Social distancing approaches and virtual training options follow public health guidance.

In the moments that matter, be the help until help arrives.