Every day nearly 1,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest in the United States alone. By using the resources on this page, you can learn how to double a person’s chance of survival!
CPR In the COVID-19 Era
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it's natural to question whether to respond. American Heart Association's journal, Circulation, published a study indicating the risk of contracting the virus while doing chest-compression-only CPR is low. Most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home or in long-term care facilities, with only 18.8 percent happening in public, according to the AHA. So, most likely a rescuer will be helping a family member or friend. If a bystander sees a stranger collapse suddenly, doing chest-compression-only CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic certainly raises concerns. Calling 911 is imperative since the emergency responders are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE). If you decide to respond before emergency professionals arrive, make sure you are wearing a mask and can cover the victim's face with a cloth or shirt.
In-person chest-compression-only CPR training resumed when Sarver Heart Center student volunteers provided a session for a group of students from the University of Arizona Physiology Club. Following UArizona COVID-19 safety protocols, masks are required. For information on training, please email heart@arizona.edu.