The American Heart Association is urging parents and families to prioritize safety this summer by implementing four essential strategies to protect loved ones from potential cardiac emergencies. With 350,000 people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually and only 10% surviving, the organization stresses the critical importance of preparedness. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest each year, with approximately 40% related to sports and 20% occurring in infants. The Association emphasizes that immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival, yet less than half of individuals receive timely assistance.
The recommended strategies include learning CPR through online courses and resources, adopting healthy family habits, planning ahead for medical needs, and engaging in community health initiatives. Specific recommendations involve taking online CPR courses, utilizing Hands-Only CPR training videos available at https://www.heart.org/handsonlycpr, and exploring the Life's Essential 8™ guidelines for cardiovascular health. Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, highlighted the significance of preparedness during summer months when routine support systems are disrupted. "Children aren't in school. Employees aren't at the office. The colleagues, teachers, coaches, and classmates we would normally rely on won't be there in an emergency," Brown stated.
Walgreens is supporting the initiative as a national sponsor of the Nation of Lifesavers program, committed to transforming bystanders into potential lifesavers. The collaboration aims to equip communities with tools and resources to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. The Association encourages families to take proactive steps such as scheduling medical appointments, refilling prescriptions, and checking emergency response plans at summer destinations. Additionally, they recommend participating in Heart Walks and exploring community engagement opportunities to promote overall health and preparedness through resources available at https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved.
