Health

How to Save a Life

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CPR used to be pushing down hard and fast on someone’s chest and covering the person’s mouth with your own. Now there is a new system called Hands-Only CPR.

The new CPR, which stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, was demonstrated today thousands of times at 51 locations across the county.

The goal was to train 2,012 people this year. However, a total of 3,022 of people learned the life-saving procedure at “Sidewalk CPR” trainings.

These demonstrations were organized by the County Health and Human Services Agency’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and 28 other agencies to coincide with National CPR Awareness Week.

Jordan Lavine had never received CPR training but felt compelled to stop at the County Administration Center location, where 90 people were trained.

“I’ve never done it,” said Lavine. “It’s a good skill to have in case of an emergency.”

More people could survive cardiac arrest if someone nearby immediately delivers CPR. The new system, which is easier, may encourage more people to do it. Unfortunately, less than one fourth of those who suffer a heart attack receive CPR from a bystander. 

The American Heart Association simplified the procedure to make it much easier for people to learn and to perform Hands-Only CPR.  A video demonstration on how to perform Hands-Only CPR can be viewed here.

The “Sidewalk CPR” trainings also took place at nine other counties in Southern California and are likely to become an annual event.

“There was a lot of enthusiasm. People really wanted to be able to assist if needed,” said Dr. Bruce Haynes, medical director for County EMS. “They walked away feeling confident they can deliver immediate emergency care that is going to save lives.”

For more information about heart disease, visit the American Heart Association or the CDC.

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact