As we celebrate St. Valentine’s day, we’re all thinking about hearts, and at Blarney CFR we think about hearts all the time! We think about the 15 people who die every day from Sudden Cardiac Death in Ireland, knowing that 80% of cardiac arrests happen outside of hospital normally in the presence of family or friends. We think about every minute after a cardiac arrest, when a person’s chance of survival decreases by 7-10% unless they receive help. And we think that by each one of us strengthening the chain of survival, we can help reduce these figures.
The chain of survival consists of vital links to saving a life, each one the possible difference between life and death, and the first three links are in our hands; 1. Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system 2. Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions 3. Rapid defibrillation
Blarney Community First Responders next certified course in CPR and use of an ADE will be held locally on Saturday March 9th from 9.15am until 2.30pm at the subsidised cost of €65. You can find out more or book through their facebook page, or by calling Kate on 087 2330398. YOU are the vital link in this chain in your community, workplace, and home.
If a loved one or someone you know goes into cardiac arrest, you are their main chance of survival. Not an ambulance. Not a passerby. YOU and your hands.