October 16th marks World Restart a Heart Day. This initiative on behalf of the International Liaison Committee Resuscitation is intended to raise awareness on the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, otherwise known as CPR. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, which cuts off blood flow to the brain and other organs. If not treated, it can cause death within minutes. But early action with CPR from bystanders, can stave off the Grim Reaper and increase the chances of survival.

The Restart a Heart Campaign

Sudden cardiac arrest is the third leading cause of death worldwide. The Restart a Heart campaign (RSAH) is an annual initiative led by the Resuscitation Council (UK) in partnership with The British Heart Foundation which aims to improve the low numbers of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Throughout October thousands of resuscitation trainers around the world will take part in a coordinated effort to demonstrate life-saving cardiopulmonary skills to as many people as they can and encourage everyone to have-a-go. What is The Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

The Importance of CPR

About 10 percent of people who experience it outside a hospital survive with their brain functions intact. Researchers found that hands-only CPR, which is given without rescue breaths, resulted in a 60% higher survival rate than conventional CPR. And it typically takes bystanders less time to start giving hands-only CPR than the traditional kind. Signs Your As Heart Isn’t Healthy As You Think It Is.

How to Perform CPR the Right Way

If you see someone who has collapsed and is not breathing normally, contact the emergency services first and then start CPR. Kneel over the person, placing the heel of your hand in the middle of his or her chest. Put your other hand on top. Then, push hard and fast, to keep circulating oxygen that’s already in the patient’s body, basically doing the work of the heart. What Causes Heart Diseases? 8 Factors from Loneliness to Child Abuse that Impair Your Cardiac Health. 

But don’t try to pace yourself. Maintaining speed and force is crucial. Instead, see if another bystander could take over until help arrives or until you are ready to get back in there. Learn how to save a life and make sure others around you learn as well.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2019 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).