Early Recognition of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and CPR Training
The very first link in the cardiac chain of survival is early recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and early activation of the EMS system. Because cardiac emergencies are a very time sensitive matter, the victims chance of survival improves dramatically if it is recognized and acted on early. It generally is better for the victim if care begins prior to them going unconscious and into complete heart failure (cardiac arrest).
Many victims of sudden cardiac arrest show symptoms prior to the arrest actually occurring. Unfortunately many do not. However, for the ones that do bystander recognition is a key element in the overall outcome. This is where CPR training comes into play and why the training is so very important. Not knowing what the symptoms are can literally cost someone their life. In contrast having the necessary skills to both recognize and act appropriately in such circumstances can be the difference between life and death.
Now days such training comes in a variety of different platforms including online education. The traditional class room training is still one of the best ways to acquire the training but is not always practical for this with a busy schedule. In any case, most of the time the training is appropriate for almost anyone and even children as young as 8 years old have had a hand in saving someones life as a result of such training.
So it is safe to say that early recognition of sudden cardiac arrest actually begins with training. You certainly cannot recognize what you know little about. Sudden Cardiac Arrest continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and we can reduce the number of deaths by education and training. The training doesn't take a very long time and the price of the CPR course could be all you pay for saving the life of a loved one.