None of us like to imagine a life-threatening emergency happening to ourselves or a loved one. It’s terrifying to think it could happen anytime or anywhere. But it’s for that reason that we should all be prepared to handle emergency situations, whether it’s a heart attack, drowning, or other such episodes.

CPR training

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (or CPR) is an important life skill to have for everyone, not just those in the medical field. CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure you perform when the heart stops beating. The artificial ventilation and chest compressions provided during CPR help to keep a person’s essential brain function intact until further measures can be taken.

Zoll CPR-D-Padz are one tool that make the CPR process easier. Unlike standard AEDs that use two separate electrodes, this uses one, pre-connected electrode. This allows the rescuer to easily apply the pad to the victim’s torso and then use their hands to compress the chest.

Using an AED

Cardiac arrest can happen to a person at a moment’s notice. It’s one of the most common causes of death, with over 350,000 Americans expected to suffer cardiac arrest this year. That’s why learning to operate an automated external defibrillator, or AED, is an essential emergency response skill that could save lives.

An AED helps determine if a person is experiencing cardiac arrest by measuring the heart’s rhythm. If necessary, an AED can deliver an electric shock that can help the heart re-establish a regular beat. AEDs are located in most offices and public spaces.

Of course, it’s best to have a medical professional assist in the event of a cardiac arrest. Still, the average EMS response time is 8-12. Each minute that passes during a cardiac arrest lowers the chance of survival by 10%. That’s why everyone should receive AED training. 

Keeping cool during an emergency

Though not a skill you’d think of, keeping cool during an emergency is one of the most vital emergency response skills there is. Whether you’re handling the emergency yourself, assisting someone else in doing so, or calling for help, you’ve got to remain calm in order to best neutralize the situation.

When taking off in an airplane, cabin crew remind us of how important it is to put our oxygen masks on first before assisting anyone else during an emergency. This goes for responding to any emergency situation. If you’re not calm and collected, you’re more prone to operator error. Remember to breathe deeply and take a pause when you need it. This will stabilize your body’s fight-or-flight response, which is necessary, but overwhelming.

Unfortunately, cardiac arrest and similar sudden onset conditions can require the immediate action of bystanders. Naturally, you should always contact emergency services. However, it’s handy to have these skills in case you witness a similar event in a public place.