The first week of June marks National CPR and AED Awareness Week, a national effort led by the American Heart Association. The campaign highlights how simple skills can help save lives when every second matters.
Cardiac arrest often happens close to home or work. In fact, nearly 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in residential settings. About 10,000 cases occur in workplaces each year, and many more happen in public settings like sporting events or concerts.
In these moments, help usually comes from someone nearby before first responders can arrive.
Why CPR matters
CPR plays a critical role in survival. It keeps oxygen-rich blood moving through the body until professional help arrives.
Without immediate help, survival rates remain low. About 90 percent of people who suffer these events do not survive. Quick action can change that outcome. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
The American Heart Association emphasizes that anyone can take action. Hands-only CPR is easy to learn and focuses on chest compressions, giving people a simple way to help in an emergency.
CPR training and resources on campus
The University Medical Center offers free CPR classes to help community members learn these lifesaving skills. Registration is required.
Visit the University Medical Center’s website to register for a CPR class.
In addition to CPR, training is also provided on how to use an automated external defibrillator, or AED. The University has placed AEDs in buildings across campus to be used for sudden cardiac arrest medical emergencies.
Use the explore feature in the UA Safety app or view the UA campus map to locate AEDs.
Learning CPR and how to use an AED does not take long, but the knowledge can make a lasting difference. This week serves as a strong reminder to get trained, stay ready, and be willing to act when someone’s life is on the line.
Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test
Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage Wednesday, June 3, at 11:55 a.m.