New CPR Training: Quick, Easy to Learn, and Could Save a Life

Public News Service-MN

MINNEAPOLIS - Only 8 percent of people who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest at home survive, but a new and easier way to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) could change that.

The American Heart Association is trying to get a million people to learn the Hands-Only method of CPR. Kim Harkins, Heartsafe Communities coordinator for Allina Hospitals and Clinics, says the new method is easy to learn, simple to do - and can save a life.

"When a person has a sudden cardiac arrest, seconds count. Any time we delay CPR or getting an AED defibrillator to that person, we know their chance of survival diminishes every minute."

Harkins says the new Hands-Only CPR method involves just two steps: Call 911, and then push hard and fast on the center of the person's chest. Wondering about the tempo? Think the Bee Gees.

" 'Staying Alive' - that's about 100 beats per minute and that's exactly where we want to be, which is a little faster than most people are used to from their traditional CPR classes."

Training classes are being offered at various locations across the state. People also can learn the method by watching a video online at heart.org/cpr.

Harkins says administering CPR in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest can completely change the outcome - for the better.

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