CPR/AED Awareness Week -
June 1-7, 2008

In December of 2007, Congress declared the first week of June each year as National CPR/AED Awareness Week. June 1-7, 2008 will mark the first such occasion, with the goal of encouraging states, cities and towns to establish organized programs that provide CPR and AED training and increase public access to AEDs.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross have stepped up to the challenge and set organizational goals of reaching hundreds of thousands of people nationwide during this one week with the vital knowledge and skills to respond to a life-threatening situation with confidence.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an electrical malfunction of the heart typically associated with an abnormal heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation (VF). The “Chain of Survival” for SCA includes four simple steps: call EMS, perform CPR, provide early defibrillation and ensure early care by medical professionals. Rapid response is critical since a victim’s chances of survival decrease by about 10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation. Further, current AEDs are designed to be simple and intuitive, with clear voice cues and CPR coaching for virtually anyone to use in an emergency. A shock is delivered only if the AED determines the victim has a shockable heart rhythm.