Seconds count in cardiac arrest, and someone’s chance of survival decreases by 10 per cent with every minute that early CPR is delayed.
After 10 minutes without intervention, the damage caused by cardiac arrest is nearly irreversible.
Tomorrow (Saturday, October 16) is Restart a Heart Day, which is a global initiative encouraging people to be ready and able to restart a heart stopped by cardiac arrest.
Around 30,000 Australians and New Zealanders suffer a cardiac arrest each year.
A bystander’s response to someone in cardiac arrest can make all the difference, and I encourage all Tasmanians to learn CPR.
A number of providers in Tasmania deliver training in CPR and first aid, and you can visit www.restartaheart.net to find out more.
However, even if you haven’t been trained, any attempt at CPR is better than no attempt. If someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest, follow these steps:
1. Call tripe zero
2. Place both hands at the centre of the chest
3. Compress the chest to the rhythm of ‘Stayin’ Alive’ continuously. Push hard. Don’t worry, you can’t do any harm.
For more information on how you can help save a life, visit www.health.tas.gov.au/restartaheartday