Celebrating Restart a Heart Day 2021: Cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, and it has not stopped even during the worldwide health crisis COVID-19. We know the fact that survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are too low, but not impossible. In celebrating World Restart a Heart Day 2021, let us work together to create more difference makers with this illness.
Background
After great successes from last year’s celebration, the world is coming together to celebrate Restart a Heart Day this October 16. This day serves as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of bystander CPR and AED use during cardiac emergencies.
World Restart a Heart Day is a global initiative of the European Resuscitation Council and all seven constituents of ILCOR. This event is in the coordination of Australia and New Zealand by the Council of Ambulance Authorities to raise awareness and educate the community about CPR and defibrillation.
The goal of the celebration is to bring awareness, education, and training to the general public. This is all in relation to increasing the likelihood of saving lives in the event of cardiac arrest. As we all know, the early moment of cardiac emergencies are the most critical, and only a trained first responder on the scene can make a difference.
Why Is It Important?
Cardiac arrest and other heart-related emergencies have not stopped during the coronavirus pandemic. If you experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Australia or other parts of the world, you have less than a one in ten chance of surviving.
This initiative wants to change that by making sure that many people know what to do in times of crisis. If someone collapses and stops breathing, call emergency services, perform hands-only CPR, and use a defibrillator (if available). It gives everyone the best chance of survival.
Hands-only CPR is recommended for cardiac arrest cases. This procedure has reduced the risk of catching an infection for the responder while still providing quality CPR. Take note that without first aid and CPR intervention, it is unlikely for the person in cardiac arrest to survive.
Here are a few reasons why you should learn CPR
- Approximately 30,000 individuals in Australia and New Zealand suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, the chances of survival drop by 10%. After 10 minutes without resuscitation or AED shock, the damage caused by cardiac arrest is nearly irreversible.
- Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops its normal function and is unable to pump blood around the body. It can cause the person and stop breathing normally.
- If CPR and other lifesaving interventions have been widely taught, thousands of lives can be saved every year.
- Around 80% of cardiac arrests happen in the comfort of our homes. As more people are spending time at home during COVID-19, the statistic reports may be higher. Learning First aid and CPR guarantees that you have the skills to save lives, including at home.
How You Can Get Involved?
CPR saves lives, and anyone can learn how to do it properly. This World Restart a Heart Day, gain the confidence to use safe and effective CPR by getting hands-on training from a trusted Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Find out how to perform CPR safely, following the resuscitation guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can host small events or participate in virtual celebrations. You can also use the #WorldRestartAHeart Social Media hashtag on your social media platforms to increase awareness. Read more about the campaign here.
Conclusion
In light of COVID-19, CPR steps might have undergone a few changes, but they need to perform CPR cardiac emergencies have not.
Whether you have taken a CPR class before or it will be the first time, it is time to get your hands on Restart a Heart Day. Gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to help if someone collapses or stops breathing.
You do not have to wait for this celebration to start CPR training. Enrol in a First Aid course and learn more about cardiac arrest, CPR, and the importance of a nation of lifesavers.
Visit the First Aid Course Perth for more information.
