By Brad Galvan, American Red Cross Volunteer
When most people face a life-and-death situation, the fewer things they need to think about, the better! A few simple steps can save a life when an adult is found unresponsive from an apparent cardiac episode.
Ready? Here they are:
- Call 9-1-1
- Be sure you are safe in your surroundings
- Check for a pulse. If none is found –
- Push hard and fast on the victim
Hands-only CPR is now taught at many schools, churches and organizations by the American Red Cross. It’s an effective tool for laypeople to help save lives while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
Those who are taught hands-only CPR feel prepared if they were to be in the situation where they encounter an adult who has had a cardiac issue. Sherwin-Williams employees recently received hands-only CPR training.
Dennis Karnstein and other Sherwin-Williams employees learn hands-only CPR
“Many thanks to the American Red Cross for conducting CPR training at our headquarters this week,” said Dennis Karnstein, President and General Manager, Sherwin-Williams Industrial Wood Division. “Absolutely nothing in this world is more precious than human life, and it’s great to know that our employees are now equipped with the potentially life-saving skills they need to jump in should emergency strike.”
Dennis is also a member of the Greater Cleveland Chapter Board of Directors.
Red Cross volunteer instructor Sharon Nicastro thinks that people may be nervous about the complexity or contact involved with traditional mouth-to-mouth CPR that is available for those seeking certification. She believes that hands-only CPR is a great solution, and she is helping to spread the word, suggesting that all organizations reach out to the Red Cross to arrange a time for their members, employees and associates to get trained in the hands-only method.
Red Cross hands-only CPR Instructor, volunteer Sharon Nicastro. Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross
Please do your fellow humans a favor and follow this link to see a video to get familiar with the hands-only technique: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready/hands-only-cpr
NOHredcross 