Cardiac Arrest has always been our number one killer…but what has changed? 

The American Heart Association has released updated statistics showing an increase of cardiac arrest by 3 times since the pandemic.  The American Stoke Association has noted a large increase in pediatric strokes as well. 

What can we do about it?  I can tell you about heart health and eating better and exercising regularly….but since the statistics show more of an increase in athletes and healthy individuals, it’s important to look at what else we can do. 

Most cardiac arrest occurs out of hospital and away from any medical help.  It happens in your homes and in your communities.  It takes an average of 10 minutes in Minnesota for an ambulance to arrive.  It isn’t uncommon for an ambulance to arrive in 20-30 minutes in rural areas.   This is concerning when it only takes 5-6 minutes for death to occur.  With the knowledge of CPR, you can keep someone alive for over an hour until help arrives.  The chance you will need to do CPR on a friend, coworker or loved one has increased by 3. 

Do you think it would be valuable to watch a video on how to do CPR?  Yes, but it isn’t enough.  When you experience adrenaline in a lifesaving emergency, we need your muscle memory to kick in because your brain is not performing at a normal memory level.  Hands on CPR practice on a manikin gives you the muscle memory to recall these skills in these emergency situations.  Repetition in a real in person class stores that memory. 

Company training is a great start!  Take it a step further by getting your family trained in your own home.  Young and old can learn.  Reach out to me if I can help you with this lifesaving skill! 

Cortnee Hansen 

CPR Professionals 

763-951-2443