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National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month: Why It Matters and How You Can Help Save Lives



How You Can Help Save Lives

Every October, we observe National Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a life-threatening condition that claims thousands of lives each year. Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Without immediate intervention, SCA can lead to death within minutes.

Why Awareness Is Crucial

More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year in the U.S., and tragically, 90% of them are fatal. Many people do not recognize the difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. While a heart attack involves a blockage stopping blood flow to the heart, SCA is an electrical problem that stops the heart from beating entirely. The key to saving lives in cases of SCA is immediate action—specifically, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.

However, public awareness of what to do in an emergency is low. Many people don’t know how to perform CPR or use an AED. That’s why National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month is so important: it encourages people to learn the skills they need to act quickly when it matters most.

How You Can Help

As a CPR training company, we are committed to equipping you with the skills to take action in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Here are three key steps you can take to help save lives:

  1. Learn CPR: Bystander CPR can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival if administered immediately. Consider enrolling in one of our Basic Life Support (BLS) or Heartsaver CPR classes to gain the confidence and knowledge to perform this life-saving skill.

  2. Familiarize Yourself with AEDs: AEDs are portable devices that can restore a normal heart rhythm in victims of sudden cardiac arrest. They are often found in public places like airports, gyms, and schools. Our CPR courses include AED training, teaching you how to use these devices quickly and correctly.

  3. Spread Awareness: You don’t have to be a healthcare professional to make a difference. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to take a CPR class. Share information about Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month on social media, and help others understand the importance of immediate action during an emergency.

Every Minute Counts

When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every minute without CPR decreases the victim’s chance of survival by 7-10%. During National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, we can bring attention to this critical issue and empower more people to step in and save lives.

At MGS Wellness, we provide the training and resources you need to be prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency. Together, we can help make our communities safer and better equipped to respond when seconds count.

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