You Could Be a Life Saver

We never plan for a medical emergency—and that’s why learning CPR is so important. Consider:

• 80 percent of cardiac arrests happen in the home. By knowing CPR, you could be the person who saves the life of a family member or friend.
• Over 200,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest every year. Twenty-five percent of those deaths could be prevented if someone had performed immediate CPR.
• Don’t assume paramedics can arrive on time to save a loved one. Once someone’s heart stops beating, you have only four to six minutes until brain death occurs. Performing CPR provides oxygen to the brain and other vital organs to give the victim the best chance of full recovery after paramedics arrive. If CPR is given within the first four minutes of a cardiac arrest, the victim’s chances of survival double.

The American Red Cross offers CPR training. So this summer, take the time to learn CPR. Have the whole family trained because you never know when you’ll need to be a lifesaver. Find a class here http://www.redcross.org/lp/take-a-class

Weekly Health Tips are brought to you by UCF Health, the College of Medicine’s physician practice. Offering primary and specialty care under one roof, UCF Health treats patients age 16 and up in primary care and age 18 and up for specialty care. Most major insurance plans are accepted. Two locations are now open: the original in East Orlando at Quadrangle and University boulevards just blocks from the main UCF campus and in Medical City at Narcoossee Road and Tavistock Lakes Boulevard. Schedule an appointment online today.