At a time when, both as a society and as individuals, we are facing some of the most serious financial challenges of the modern era, it becomes reasonable to ask whether or not there is still a role, or even a possibility for volunteerism. Certainly as governments at all levels seek to cut expenses and repair shortfalls, they would welcome any productive volunteer services which might help to bridge the service gaps being created. However, as individuals, the atmosphere in economic recession would certainly not seem conducive to significant volunteer efforts – focus clearly needs to be on providing for our families and our futures.
Nonetheless, there is one area of volunteerism which has enormous potential to benefit both our society and ourselves as individuals, and that is the effort to learn and the commitment to employ PUSHCPR™. PUSHCPR™ refers to a simple technique which can save human life. Recent research has demonstrated that for victims of sudden cardiac arrest, attempted resuscitation with hands interlocked over the center of the chest, rhythmically compressing the breastbone 2 inches and releasing approximately 100 times per minute is equally effective as traditional “mouth-to-mouth” resuscitation, which alternates 2 breaths for every 30 compressions. Incredible. No longer need one be concerned with contracting disease or exposing oneself to the unpleasantness of oral secretions. If one witnesses someone who stops breathing and is unconscious, if one calls 911 and initiates PUSHCPR™, one can make the difference between death and life.
The scope of the problem is enormous. Over one quarter of a million people die in America each year from sudden cardiac death. For many, this is the first manifestation of heart disease. Once someone’s heart stops pumping effectively, it is only minutes before irreparable damage ensues to the brain and other vital organs. Every minute counts. If an electric shock can be applied to reset the heart rhythm within four minutes, chances of survival climb to greater than 50%. On the other hand, if there is a delay of up to ten minutes before there is a response, chances of survival are minimal. What can be done until help arrives? PUSHCPR™ provides vital blood flow and can make the difference between life and death. Even if 911 is called immediately, response time may be 5-10 minutes or longer (traffic patterns, high rise buildings, etc.) By the time the help arrives, regardless of how well-trained and supplied, it may simply be too late. This is the reason why the average survival rate for out of hospital cardiac arrest in this country is in the range of only 5%, while the survival for those with ventricular fibrillation can, in those communities with an activated populace and a short response time, approach 50% – that represents ten times as many lives saved!
Regardless of what personal challenges we may be facing, an hour of our time to learn the basics of PUSHCPR™ will not in any way impair our ability to provide for ourselves and our families. In fact, it may be the very thing that saves their lives.
