LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- When someone goes into cardiac arrest, their brain can experience blood loss and damage in just four to six minutes. That's why the Louisville Fire Department is teaching CPR.
More often than not, people experience cardiac arrest -- commonly known as a heart attack -- when they're home, with no one but family members around to help.
That's why Louisville firefighters are teaching people "hands only CPR." Officials say chest compressions are much more important than the mouth to mouth aspect.
The first thing to do when you see someone having a heart attack is to dial 911. After that, check if they're conscious. If not, position yourself next to the person, interlace your fingers, and then make sure your shoulders are directly over your hands. Then lock your elbows and push hard and fast.
The goal is to keep the victim's blood pumping until first responders arrive.
Louisville Fire & Rescue Capt. Tamira Stewart gave us a demonstration on Wednesday.
"Notice -- my arms stay straight as I begin to push deeply," Stewart said. You should try to push down at least two inches. She said you should aim for about 100 compressions per minute. That's the same pace as many popular songs.
"My favorite is 'Staying Alive' by the Bee Gees, but Vanilla Ice 'Ice Ice Baby,' Whitney Houston's 'I Want to Dance With Somebody' are also good choices.
The free training is available at all 21 Louisville fire stations, and it's open to everyone 9 years old and older. All you have to do is show up between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. and say you would like to be trained. The demonstration only takes about five minutes, and it could save the life of someone you know.
Related Content:
- 20-year-old, off-duty firefighter uses CPR to save a Spencer County man's life during heart attack
- Iroquois High School staff members use AED to help save basketball coach who'd collapsed in the hallway
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.
