Why you should know hands-only CPR
February is American Heart Month. This year, the American Heart Association is encouraging everyone to learn hands-only CPR.

The American Heart Association says that more than 350,000 people in the U.S. experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital.

“Bystander CPR is the key to survival. Ninety percent of those victims will not survive. Intervention is the key,” said Jennifer McNeill with the American Heart Association.

The Heart Association’s goal is that at least one person in each household knows hands-on CPR.

Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin is the ambassador of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. Experts say CPR played a major role in his survival.

McNeill said hands-only CPR is two steps: Call 9-1-1 and then press hard and fast in the center of the chest.

CPR training and knowledge have changed over the last few years, and you don’t always need breath resuscitation to perform the lifesaving act.

“The key to survival is quick intervention. You need to start CPR right away. Not everyone in the public is comfortable with performing the resuscitation breath, so you need to start hands-only CPR and keep that going until paramedics arrive,” said McNeil.

AHA said the average 9-year-old child should be able to administer the right amount of pressure to provide effective CPR.

Several classes can teach you and your family CPR. There is also plenty of information on the American Heart Association’s website.