National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month highlights lifesaving power of bystander CPR
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – As October comes to a close, health officials are using National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month to remind Kentuckians how crucial it is to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and take immediate action.
According to the American Red Cross, a person’s chance of survival drops by 10% for every minute that passes without CPR — but bystander CPR can triple those odds.
Dr. Shaun Mohan, a pediatric cardiologist at UK Children’s Hospital, said bystander CPR is essential and can save lives before first responders arrive.
“Bystander CPR is becoming much more encouraged,” Dr. Mohan said. “It can happen to anyone — not just older adults, but also kids, people in schools, at playgrounds, or family events.”
When someone experiences cardiac arrest, Mohan says they may collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing. Recognizing those signs and taking immediate action can mean the difference between life and death.
The Lexington Fire Department demonstrated hands-only CPR, emphasizing that it’s simple enough for anyone to learn.
Captain Ken Howell explained, “She told a bystander to call 911, then started compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute at a depth of two inches.”
Howell says the majority of cardiac arrests — about 70% — happen at home, making CPR a critical skill for everyone to know.
“Odds are you’re probably going to be doing CPR on a loved one,” he said.
Officials say taking a few minutes to learn hands-only CPR could make you the reason someone survives.
