The Lifesaving Importance of CPR, First Aid, and AED Training During Heart Month

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

February is Heart Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and the importance of lifesaving skills like CPR, First Aid, and AED use. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. When every second counts, knowing how to respond can mean the difference between life and death.

 Learning CPR, First Aid, and AED Skills Matters

1. SCA can happen to anyone. 

Many people assume that cardiac arrest only happens to the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions. However, it can affect anyone, including young athletes, seemingly healthy adults, and even children. Without immediate intervention, survival rates plummet, but quick action with CPR and an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%.

2. Bystander Intervention Saves Lives

Unfortunately, only about 40% of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from bystanders. Many people hesitate because they lack training or fear doing something wrong. However, hands-only CPR—pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest—can keep oxygen flowing to the brain until emergency responders arrive. The more people trained in CPR, the greater the chances of survival for anyone experiencing cardiac arrest.

3. AEDs Are a Critical Part of Survival

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are designed for public use and can analyze a heart’s rhythm, delivering a shock, if needed, to restore normal function. When combined with CPR, AEDs can drastically improve survival rates. Learning how to locate and use an AED is just as vital as knowing CPR.

4. First Aid Training Prepares You for Emergencies

Beyond cardiac arrest, knowing First Aid helps in a variety of emergencies, from choking and severe bleeding to strokes and allergic reactions. Being equipped with these skills means you can provide critical care in those first crucial moments before professional help arrives.

Heart Month serves as a reminder to take action. Whether it’s signing up for a CPR and AED training course, refreshing your knowledge, or encouraging workplaces and schools to provide training, every effort counts. Many organizations, including the American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross, offer classes to empower individuals with the confidence to act in an emergency.

This February, challenge yourself and those around you to become trained in CPR, First Aid, and AED use. When cardiac arrest strikes, will you be ready to respond?  Take action today—because a lifesaving moment may be in your hands.