CPR

Good Samaritan Laws and Bystander CPR

There are many reasons people give when asked why they’re hesitant to perform CPR on a stranger. These range from causing additional injury to exposing someone in public. However, the benefits far outweigh any potential risks.

More than 325,000 people go into cardiac arrest in the United States every year, and immediate CPR significantly lowers the risk of death, brain damage, or other lasting injury.

One of the most common reasons people don’t provide CPR in public is the fear of legal prosecution should they cause further injury. However, there are legal protections against this kind of prosecution.

What Are Good Samaritan Laws?

Good Samaritan laws protect bystanders who perform CPR — photo credit: @huy-phan-316220 accessed 11/30/22 via CC0

Every state in the country has a “Good Samaritan” law of some kind. The specifics vary, but in general, these laws provide legal protection to people who provide reasonable assistance for someone who is experiencing an injury or emergency.

In short, if you are providing CPR to the best of your knowledge and ability, the likelihood that you will be held legally responsible for any additional injury is minimal. (If you have any questions about a specific situation or case, please contact an attorney.)

If you encounter someone who is in cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and provide help to the best of your ability. A CPR training course can help you be more prepared should you find yourself in this situation. Sign up for an in-person, virtual, or on-demand CPR course today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.

Why Every Business Should Have an AED Onsite

3 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and without warning, and its effects are immediate. If a patient does not immediately receive treatment, sudden cardiac arrest results in significant disability or death. This is why it’s so important for businesses of all types and sizes to have an Automatic External Defibrillator, or AED onsite and in good working condition – and for employees and the public to have the ability and knowledge to use it.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

A sudden cardiac arrest is triggered by a malfunction of the heart’s electrical system. This produces abnormal heart rhythms and disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body, resulting in a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.

According to the FDA, the probability of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent for every minute that a person is in sudden cardiac arrest. It’s vitally important to equip professionals and bystanders alike with the ability and tools they need to perform lifesaving interventions.

an aed onsite at a business — Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Why Businesses Need an AED Onsite

An AED is a critical step in the out-of-hospital chain of survival. AEDs deliver an electrical shock, called defibrillation, that restores the heart to its normal rhythm and restarts blood flow. Having an AED onsite is one of the best and easiest ways to protect employees and the public from the devastation of sudden cardiac arrest.

AEDs are fairly easy to use, but training is recommended in order to deliver defibrillation safely and quickly. HeartCert offers an all-in-one CPR/AED/first aid training course. Learn these lifesaving skills in one convenient session! In-person, hybrid, and virtual CPR training options are available.

HeartCert also sells AEDs! Visit our shop page and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

6 CPR Facts You May Not Know

3 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

How much do you know about CPR? Test your knowledge with a few basic CPR facts.

6 CPR Facts You Should Know

person performing CPR on a dummy. CPR facts you should know. — photo credit: @flexpointsecurity accessed 10/30/22 via CC0

1. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year.

This means that there are more than 350,000 people who need lifesaving CPR from a family member or bystander in order to survive.

2. Most cardiac arrests take place in the home.

Among cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital setting, the majority (70%) take place in a home or private residence. About 18% take place in a public setting, and 11% occur in nursing homes. The life you save could be your parent’s, spouse’s, or child’s.

Read: Actor Says CPR, AED Saved His Life

3. CPR saves lives and improves outcomes.

If it is performed immediately, CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. In addition, it helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other organs, reducing the risk of permanent brain damage or other disability.

4. Bystander CPR is underused.

Less than half of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest receive help, in the form of CPR or AED use, before emergency professionals arrive.

Read: The Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival

5. The out of hospital survival rate is low.

Ultimately, only about 10 percent of people who suffer from cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting survive. As more people become trained in CPR and AED use, the survival rate will likely improve.

6. It’s easy to get CPR certified.

HeartCert offers hybrid and virtual CPR training courses that allow you to complete part or all of the coursework on your own schedule. Our CPR certification classes are AHA and American Red Cross certified, and combine CPR, AED and first aid into one convenient class.

You could save a life! Sign up for CPR training with HeartCert today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

Source: American Heart Association, “CPR Facts & Stats”

6 CPR Facts You May Not Know

3 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

How much do you know about CPR? Test your knowledge with a few basic CPR facts.

6 CPR Facts You Should Know

1. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year.

This means that there are more than 350,000 people who need lifesaving CPR from a family member or bystander in order to survive.

2. Most cardiac arrests take place in the home.

Read: Actor Says CPR, AED Saved His Life

3. CPR saves lives and improves outcomes.

4. Bystander CPR is underused.

Less than half of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest receive help, in the form of CPR or AED use, before emergency professionals arrive.

Read: The Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival

5. The out of hospital survival rate is low.

6. It’s easy to get CPR certified.

You could save a life! Sign up for CPR training with HeartCert today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

Source: American Heart Association, “CPR Facts & Stats”

Can Watching Sports Increase Heart Attack Risk?

3 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

Fall is the season of changing leaves, apple picking, back to school, and football. If you spend every Sunday (and Monday, and Thursday) watching football, it’s important to be mindful of your health. Don’t eat too much fried food, stand up at commercial breaks, and manage your stress. Here are a few ways that watching sports can affect your heart – and tips on how to mitigate those effects.

How Watching Sports Affects the Heart

Researchers have found an increase in heart attacks and arrhythmias and heart attacks during major sporting events like the Superbowl and World Cup. This is due to the stress and emotion we experience when watching a game.

When a game gets suspenseful or takes a disappointing turn, fans often feel stress. These feelings of stress and anger essentially trigger a fight-or-flight response, which causes heart rate and blood pressure to increase. All of these factors can trigger a cardiovascular event.

fans watching sports — photo credit: @koff accessed 9/6/22 via CC0

How to Manage Stress During a Big Game

If you experience high levels of stress while watching sports, take steps to manage and reduce those intense feelings. Take deep breaths, do a few stretches, and step away for a few minutes if needed. Also, try to eat healthy before and during the game, and limit the amount of alcohol you consume.

If you’re still feeling frustrated and angry after the game ends, channel it into physical activity to help release the stress.

Protect Your Health with CPR

Take care of your fellow football fans by learning hands-only CPR. You could save a life!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2018.

Four Reasons to Learn CPR

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

If you don’t work in healthcare, or with children or vulnerable adults, or in any other setting in which CPR training is required, it may seem like there is no real reason to learn CPR. But that’s not the case. There is a very real need for laypeople to be trained in CPR and ready to perform it should they encounter a person in cardiac arrest or distress.

reasons to learn CPR — photo credit: @artisticoperations-4161274 accessed 7/1/22 via CC0

Here are a few of the many reasons why you should take a CPR/AED training course.

Why Should I Learn CPR?

1. Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home

More than 85 percent of cardiac arrests take place in the home. With more than 300,000 instances of cardiac arrest every year in the U.S., there is a significant likelihood that you may need CPR to save the life of your parent, spouse, or other family member.

2. CPR Protects Against Long-Term Disability

Performing CPR immediately following cardiac arrest helps blood circulate until emergency responders arrive. This protects vital organs, including the brain, from significant damage.

Read: 4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

3. More Bystander CPR is Needed

Bystander CPR – when CPR is performed by a layperson outside of a healthcare setting – is performed in fewer than half of all cardiac arrests in the U.S. Many more lives could be saved if more people were trained and ready to perform CPR when needed.

4. It’s Easy to Learn CPR

CPR training courses are more accessible than ever. With in-person, virtual, and private options, you can learn CPR on your schedule and in just a few hours.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We continue to offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This blog post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated.

Which States Mandate CPR Training in Schools?

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

When it comes to CPR, there are three known facts. First, when CPR is performed immediately after cardiac arrest, it doubles or even triples the chances of survival. Second, that occurs in less than 10 percent of cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital setting. Third, CPR training increases the likelihood that a bystander will be ready and able to perform CPR when the need arises. This lifesaving opportunity is the driving force behind the American Heart Association’s CPR in Schools program.

What is CPR in Schools?

CPR in Schools is an initiative from the American Heart Association to train students in CPR, AED use, and choking relief. The training is specifically aimed at young learners, and was designed to be completed in just one class period. It comes with a toolkit that can train 10 to 20 students at once. Training can be repurposed for different classes and grade levels.

Schedule On-Site CPR Training with HeartCert

Does Your State Mandate CPR Training in School?

About 10 years ago, there was a significant effort to mandate CPR training as part of high school graduation requirements. Today, the majority of states have enacted laws requiring CPR education in schools.

In HeartCert’s home state of Minnesota, for example, students must take part in CPR training in order to graduate from high school. School districts are required to provide a onetime CPR and AED training to students at some point between grades 7 and 12.

Schools are not required to use the AHA’s CPR in Schools materials. They can set up training from a local provider such as HeartCert. Learn more about our on-site CPR/AED training options here.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR. We also train in ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We also offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Offers Free CPR Training

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

HeartCert was founded with the mission of making CPR training more available and accessible – and, in doing so, saving more lives. Now, in an effort to further that mission and improve bystander CPR rates, we’re excited to announce that we’re offering free CPR training!

What is Bystander CPR?

The term “bystander CPR” refers to lifesaving CPR, AED, and first aid procedures that are performed by a layperson in a public or private setting. Generally, bystander CPR takes place outside of a hospital or medical facility.

Why is Bystander CPR Important?

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting every year in the U.S. A staggering 90 percent of people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive. But when CPR is performed immediately upon cardiac arrest, survival chances double or even triple. Put simply: bystander CPR saves lives!

Free CPR Training with HeartCert

There are many barriers to performing bystander CPR, and lack of accessible training is one of them. This is why HeartCert is offering free CPR training for anyone who is interested.

In these free training courses, you will learn the basics of CPR, AED use, and first aid at no cost. These courses are only informational, and attendees will not receive a certification. (If you need CPR certification, check out one of our other in-person, virtual, or private CPR course options.)

Ready to sign up for a free CPR course? Visit this page to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, and First Aid. We also offer training courses for CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at HeartCert locations throughout the United States.

HeartCert Minneapolis Now Open

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest location in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The address of our new facility is 1201 W. River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Click here for directions, and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert is now open in Minneapolis — photo credit: @am83 accessed 5/11/22 via CC0

About the HeartCert Minneapolis Training Center

The new HeartCert CPR training center is conveniently located in the Twin Cities American Red Cross headquarters. This location also serves as a blood and platelet donation center. Just off 35W and near major downtown landmarks such as U.S. Bank Stadium and Guthrie Theater, it is accessible to residents throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered at HeartCert Minneapolis

In addition to our standard CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a wide variety of trainings at our new location. These include: BLS, ACLS and PALS; Certified Nursing Assistant Courses, IV and EKG training; 1 on 1 flexible CPR training; and CPR instructor courses.

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today. Discounted class vouchers are available for companies where employees need training at different times.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Actor Says CPR, AED Saved His Life

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

When actor Bob Odenkirk collapsed on the set of his television show “Better Caul Saul” in the summer of 2021, his co-stars immediately called for help. The show’s health officer rushed over and began performing CPR. In interviews a few months later, Odenkirk credited that quick response, the use of an AED, and his recent physical activity for saving his life.

actor saved by CPR — photo credit: @mikhail-nilov accessed 4/10/22 via CC0

Actor Credits CPR For Saving His Life

Odenkirk says he suffered a “heart-related incident” and collapsed on set in July 2021. The on-set health officer performed CPR for 12 minutes. She then asked another person to take over, while she retrieved and administered an AED, or automated external defibrillator.

Odenkirk had to be shocked with the AED three times before his heart resumed its rhythm. His representatives later told the media that he was in stable condition.

In interviews, Odenkirk credits the quick action of his co-stars and the health officer in immediately starting CPR and using the AED when appropriate. He also says that he had recently increased his physical activity and stamina while training for a movie role. Not only did this improve the health of his cardiovascular system, but it made CPR more effective. He believes it also made recovery easier.

Read: What’s the Easiest Way to Prevent Heart Disease? Physical Activity

Odenkirk is fortunate that he had someone on set who was trained in CPR and AED use. The majority of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting don’t fare so well. This is why CPR training is so important. You could save a life! Register for a HeartCert CPR course today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, babysitter training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Introducing a Private CPR Training Option

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

HeartCert is excited to introduce a new, one-of-a-kind CPR training option. Our private CPR course allows you to choose a time that works for your schedule. CPR certification has never been easier!

Why We Launched Our Private CPR Course

There’s no question that CPR saves lives. According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting every year. Only about 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest in a non-medical setting survive. But if CPR is performed immediately, the chances of survival double or even triple.

Read: What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Unfortunately, bystander CPR is performed on fewer than half of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. By offering CPR training courses that are easy and accessible, we’re hoping to change that number.

How Does Private CPR Training Work?

When you enroll for our private CPR certification course, you’ll be able to choose a time that works for your schedule. You’ll receive immediate access to online training materials and videos. When you’ve completed the coursework, you’ll have access to our Eagan, MN headquarters at your scheduled time.

Then, an instructor will connect with you virtually to take you through the final steps of the CPR certification process. You will receive an American Red Cross CPR certification, which is valid for two years.

See how it works:

We’re offering two options for private CPR training: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED with First Aid.

Learn more and register here, and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, babysitter training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Are You Eating Enough Fiber for Heart Health?

3 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

Dietary fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. It protects the body against a wide host of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and other digestive ailments. It can also lower cholesterol and help with weight management. But the majority of Americans don’t consume enough fiber, and therefore aren’t seeing those benefits.

According to a 2017 analysis, 95% of American adults and children consume less than the daily recommended amount of fiber. Although recommendations differ based on age and gender, the average American adult should aim for about 28 grams of fiber per day. According to the American Heart Association, the average fiber intake is only 14 grams – half the RDA.

Why is it Important to Eat Enough Fiber?

Fiber can’t be broken down by the digestive system, so it passes through the body undigested. Along the way, it helps move other food through the digestive system, improving regularity and overall well-being. Fiber has many benefits, including:

Lowers glucose levels
Lowers blood cholesterol
Reduces risk of heart disease
Reduces risk of metabolic syndrome
Prevents and relieves constipation
Reduces risk of certain cancers
Helps with weight loss and weight management

How Can I Eat More Fiber?

The good news: you can increase the amount of fiber in your diet with a few easy modifications.

First, choose whole grain bread, pasta and rice over their white and processed counterparts. Brown rice and whole grain carbohydrates generally have higher amounts of fiber. Second, add more servings of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Incorporate them into snacks and find creative ways to add them to meals. Eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juices. Third, swap out meat for high-fiber beans or legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans or others a few times per week.

Making these small changes can help you get enough fiber – and improve your heart health.

Protect the hearts of those you love with a HeartCert CPR training course. We’re offering virtual and in-person options to meet your needs. Sign up today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid,, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Celebrate American Heart Month by Learning CPR

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

February marks American Heart Month, an annual period to shine the spotlight on heart disease, risk factors, research, prevention tips and more. To mark the 58th annual event, the American Heart Association (AHA) is reinforcing the importance of physical and mental well-being after two difficult years of the pandemic.

The History of American Heart Month

American Heart Month was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had personally suffered a heart attack, in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have designed February as American Heart Month every year.

Taking Control of Heart Health

This year, the AHA is urging all Americans to “reclaim your rhythm.” Many of us adopted unhealthy coping mechanisms during the pandemic, so consider February a time to reset and find new heart-healthy patterns.

The AHA has a few suggestions for improving heart health:

Eating healthy
Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
Moving your body 150 minutes per week (or as much as you can!)
Not smoking
Getting good sleep
Finding ways to relieve and manage stress

Reclaim Your Rhythm Through CPR Training

Protect the hearts of those around you by learning the rhythm of hands-only CPR. Did you know that about 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home? Or that CPR can double or triple the odds of survival, especially if performed immediately? Improve your odds by signing up for a CPR certification course with HeartCert. Virtual CPR training options are available!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Many employees have returned or will soon head back to the office. After nearly two years away, your team will probably need some refreshers. How does the coffee maker work? Where’s the conference room? And how do you perform CPR if a coworker goes into cardiac arrest?

Yes, that final question is more serious than the first two. But it’s a real possibility. Because we spend a good deal of our time in the office, there is a significant likelihood of cardiac arrest at work. This is why it’s important to ensure that your team is prepared.

Why Employees Should be Trained in CPR

CPR Increases the Likelihood of Survival

CPR keeps blood circulating until an ambulance arrives. Not only does this increase the odds of survival, but it can minimize the negative impacts of cardiac arrest.

Hands-Only CPR is Less Invasive

Many employees think that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is part of CPR, but this isn’t the case. Hand-only CPR is the standard now, which is much less invasive.

Read: CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

Help Your Coworkers – And Your Career

Knowing how to perform CPR will make you a valuable asset in the office. You can even add it to your resume!

HeartCert Makes it Easy to Learn CPR

HeartCert offers on-site CPR training to train all employees at once. Portions of the training can be completed online in advance, making the time commitment more flexible.

Do you have questions about office CPR training? Give HeartCert a call today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2018.

CPR Training Improves Survival Rates on Airplanes

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a requirement that all U.S. commercial airlines be equipped with automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs. Since then, the cardiac arrest survival rate has been higher on airplanes than in the general public, according to a new study from the American Heart Association.

cardiac arrests on airplanes — photo credit: @skitterphoto accessed 10/7/21 via CC0

Specifically, the study looked at cardiac arrests that occurred on airplanes and in airports between 2004 and 2019. The records were taken from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Researchers looked at a total of 143 cardiac arrests, 34 of which occurred on an airplane. The other 109 took place at the airport.

Of the 34 on-airplane cardiac arrests, 15% survived to hospital discharge. In comparison, 44% of the in-airport cardiac arrests survived to discharge.

Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates Higher on Airplanes

While a 15% survival rate may not seem especially high, it is higher than the national cardiac arrest survival rate – less than 11%. Researchers say this points to the value and importance of early intervention, bystander assistance, AED availability and CPR training.

Airplane passengers or bystanders who see someone become unresponsive should immediately alert an employee or flight attendant. If you’re in an airport, perform CPR as needed until help arrives. In the air, however, always follow the direction of the flight crew.

The data is clear: bystander CPR saves lives and improves outcomes. Sign up for CPR training today and learn how you could be a hero.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid. We offer classes in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

CPR

What Are Good Samaritan Laws?

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Why Businesses Need an AED Onsite

6 CPR Facts You Should Know

1. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year.

2. Most cardiac arrests take place in the home.

3. CPR saves lives and improves outcomes.

4. Bystander CPR is underused.

5. The out of hospital survival rate is low.

6. It’s easy to get CPR certified.

6 CPR Facts You Should Know

1. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year.

2. Most cardiac arrests take place in the home.

3. CPR saves lives and improves outcomes.

4. Bystander CPR is underused.

5. The out of hospital survival rate is low.

6. It’s easy to get CPR certified.

How Watching Sports Affects the Heart

How to Manage Stress During a Big Game

Protect Your Health with CPR

Why Should I Learn CPR?

1. Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home

2. CPR Protects Against Long-Term Disability

Read: 4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

3. More Bystander CPR is Needed

4. It’s Easy to Learn CPR

What is CPR in Schools?

Does Your State Mandate CPR Training in School?

Read More: Why Should I Learn CPR?

What is Bystander CPR?

Read More: Why Women Are Less Likely to Receive CPR

Why is Bystander CPR Important?

Read More: CPR Training Improves Survival Rates on Airplanes

Free CPR Training with HeartCert

Ready to sign up for a free CPR course? Visit this page to learn more.

About the HeartCert Minneapolis Training Center

Healthcare Training Courses Offered at HeartCert Minneapolis

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Actor Credits CPR For Saving His Life

Read: What’s the Easiest Way to Prevent Heart Disease? Physical Activity

Why We Launched Our Private CPR Course

Read: What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

How Does Private CPR Training Work?

Why is it Important to Eat Enough Fiber?

How Can I Eat More Fiber?

The History of American Heart Month

Taking Control of Heart Health

Reclaim Your Rhythm Through CPR Training

Why Employees Should be Trained in CPR

CPR Increases the Likelihood of Survival

Hands-Only CPR is Less Invasive

Help Your Coworkers – And Your Career

HeartCert Makes it Easy to Learn CPR

Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates Higher on Airplanes

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