There are more than 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) in the UK each year and over 7.6 million people in the UK are living with a heart or circulatory disease. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) 260 people every day are admitted to hospital due to a heart attack – however in the UK only 1 in 10 people survive.
As over 80% of cardiac arrests happen at home, you never know when you’ll need to give CPR – so many people will witness a cardiac arrest in their lifetime. However research has proven early use of CPR and a defibrillator doubles the chance of survival – which is why the British Heart Foundation has created the RevivR training tool as it may save the life of a loved one.
What is CPR?
CPR means Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation where someone performs a life saving procedure when the heart stops beating. The brain and other organs must constantly receive oxygen and CPR will keep enough oxygen in someone’s lungs and brain until an electric shock restores a normal heart rhythm.
Without CPR the person can die within minutes. They perform CPR by giving chest compressions – placing their hand in the centre of the person’s chest with the other hand on top. They push the breastbone down firmly to keep them alive until emergency help arrives.
Is a heart attack the same as a cardiac arrest?
No. A heart attack and a cardiac arrest are not the same. A cardiac arrest happens suddenly when there is an electrical problem in the heart and immediately stops pumping blood around your body. When your heart stops pumping blood, the brain and other organs receive no oxygen, causing the person to fall unconscious and stop breathing.
A heart attack happens when a blood clot blocks the coronary artery and is also called a myocardial infarction. A lack of blood flow can destroy part of the heart muscle. Heart attack symptoms do vary from mild to severe and many people have advanced warning signs. One of the most common early warning signs is chest pain or pressure that constantly happens and doesn’t go away.
What is Revivr?
RevivR is a free interactive online training course developed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to improve survival rates especially at home. RevivR teaches you how to save someone’s life in just 15 minutes. It can easily be accessed on your phone or tablet and shows you when and how to perform CPR and all you need to practise is a cushion.
Start the training today. https://revivr.bhf.org.uk/
Our heart home care team
If you or your loved one is living with a heart condition, then our heart home care team can help. At Novus Care we provide care at home from just a visit per day to 24/7 around the clock live in care. Our heart home carers can help with household duties, personal care, errands, shopping, mobility, personal care, and more.
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