Basic CPR/AED training can dramatically increase Cardiac Arrest survival

The Orland Fire Protection District has a 71 percent Cardiac Arrest “Save Rate,” one of the highest in the region. Training in CPR or AED use can increase the survival of a cardiac arrest patient significantly more

The chances of survival for a cardiac arrest patient in the Orland Fire Protection District is over 71 percent, five times the rate of most of the rest of the country.

But, if family, friends or acquaintances are trained in basic CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) or AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use, the chances of survival for of an individual experiencing a heart attack can increase dramatically.

Chris Smith, a paramedic for the Orland Fire Protection District for more than 42 years and a retired Fire Lieutenant, supervises CPR and AED training on behalf of the Orland Fire Protection District at no cost to residents of the district.

“If you can start CPR and use an AED in the first one minute for a cardiac arrest patient who has no heartbeat or no breathing for the adult, there is over a 90 percent chance of survival,” Smith said.

“After 5 minutes, chances of survival drops to 50 percent. And it drops 7 to 10 percent every minute after that.”

Smith said the OFPD offers free CPR and AED training each month and also will arrange training sessions for local businesses and organizations at no cost.

Smith said the first few minutes of cardiac arrest are important as the patient waits for the fast arrival of paramedics.

“CPR and AED training teaches people not to be afraid. People are often afraid of doing the wrong thing. But with a little training you can overcome that fear and do the right thing to save a life,” Smith said.

“With an AED, you push a button and the AED talks and tells you what to do.”

With CPR, Smith said, training focuses on the 3 C’s, “Check Call and Compress.”

“You check the scene for safety. You check the patient. Is the patient blue in the face? Is there breathing? If they are not breathing you immediately call 911 but you can begin CPR and compress the person’s chest,” Smith explained.

“Those three things can increase the survival of a cardiac arrest patient by three times!”

He said the biggest reason discouraging a member of the public to learn CPR or to use an AED is an unfounded fear that it is complicated and difficult to learn.

“The chances of survival in a situation of a ‘bad episode’ of cardiac arrest is the direct result of someone nearby who applied CPR or AED,” Smith said.

“To have someone walk out of a hospital is because somebody did something before the ambulance got there. That is what makes all the difference.”

Smith said AEDs are available in most public buildings in and some businesses.

“They are in most public buildings. Schools. Churches. Health Clubs. You can also get them for your home. They are easy to use,” Smith said. “When you are shopping or in a public building, be on the lookout for an AED. Usually they are well marked and in easy to access areas. If an emergency occurs, you will know where they are located.”

Smith hosts BLS (Basic Life Support) programs for Healthcare providers each month. It’s required for any healthcare worker in any health-related field including for nurses, dental hygienist, and others in medical support fields.

Every other month, Smith will host a CPR and AED training for the public usually on a Saturday. Training for residents of the OFPD is free. There is a $25 training charge for non-residents.

“Everyone should be trained,” said Smith who added he will organize trainings as the public needs.

CPR and AED training run about two hours, he said.

The public can purchase AEDs commercially.

“It is worth the investment,” Smith said.

Seniors can also reach out to the OFPD’s Senior Advisory Council (SAC) to arrange CPR and AED training on the website (under “Community Outreach” menu item).

OFPD SAC organizes monthly meetings to schedule community training for seniors, the audience that has the largest incidence of CPR and AED need. The public is invited to become a SAC member.

All CPR Classes are held in the Orland Fire Protection District’s Administration Building at 9790 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL 60462.