Hands-Only CPR tour bus makes a stop in Austin
According to the American Heart Association every year an average of 350,000 Americans suffer cardiac arrest outside hospital walls. The organization has found knowing how to perform Hands-Only CPR can triple a person's chance of survival.
On Sunday a Hands-Only CPR tour bus stopped at a North Austin HEB to train local Austinites on how to perform CPR without breaths. "Five states in seven weeks we've been going back to back we've taught about 1,000 people now or more than that," said Henry Kelly with the American Heart Association.
It's part of an initiative, sponsored by the American Heart Association and Amerigroup Foundation.
They're working to raise awareness about a lifesaving technique--at everyone's finger tips.
"We want people to go out and teach the skill to other people," said Kelly.
Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth. The technique has shown to be as effective as CPR with breaths. "It makes me feel content in the fact that I'm learning a skill that can possibly save someone's' life. If I can save just one person's life than it's absolutely worth it," said Sandy Cheeks.
Cheeks, along with dozens of people, stopped by the bus to take a free class.
"They really want to educate the community and make an impact. Teaching us the right way because I know there is a right way and wrong way to do things. Especially with this you want to be able to do it the right way," said Cheeks.
There are two easy steps to keep in mind when performing Hands-Only CPR.
- Call 9-1-1
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
When performing CPR push on the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Take note, using music beats can save lives while administering Hands-Only CPR.
Henry Kelly who helped organize the tour says Hands-Only CPR is helpful for the first few minutes after someone stops breathing, because it pushes the remaining oxygen through the body to keep vital organs alive.
While buying critical time. "It takes a few minutes before the ambulance arrives and we want you to do as much as you can so you can help these people the more you do something the more likely hood this person will survive," said Kelly.
If you would like to learn how to do Hands-Only CPR,
Another training will be held Monday Oct. 15th at the Browning Hanger at Mueller Park stop.
The event is free and open to the public. It starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.