PERSONAL HEALTH : Quick Action Can Save Lives
Americans die of heart attacks and injuries because, in many cases, bystanders don’t respond fast enough to save them, according to the American Red Cross.
Recent research shows that about half of the 500,000 deaths from heart attack each year could have been prevented if the victim or bystanders had recognized the symptoms quickly enough and had activated the emergency medical system.
Even people trained in CPR are no more likely to respond to a stricken person unless they had undergone training within the past month or two.
Although administering CPR is important, the best thing a bystander can do is immediately call for emergency help. The new rules are:
* Check the scene for safety, and check the individual for consciousness, breathing, pulse and bleeding.
* Call 911 or the local emergency number.
* Care for the victim with CPR, if needed, or standard first aid procedures.
For information on how to recognize and respond to emergencies, the Red Cross offers a free booklet called “ ‘Til Help Arrives.” The Red Cross also provides health and safety courses.
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