GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It's CPR and AED Awareness Week, and the American Heart Association is encouraging West Michiganders to learn how to respond if someone experiences cardiac arrest.
According to the American Heart Association, 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals each year. You can help save a life by knowing CPR and administering it before first responders arrive.
If you see someone suddenly collapse, you should first call 911, then begin CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of their chest at around 100 to 120 beats per minute. The American Heart Association recommends using songs like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees or “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira to help remember the correct rate.
Matt Johnson with the American Heart Association said CPR training is for anyone who is interested, including children.
"Anybody can jump in and save a life," he said. "We want people to join the Nation of Lifesavers, as we call it, and just follow those steps."
There are different options to receive training. You can attend an in-person certification course, take an online class, watch videos from the American Heart Association or practice with a training kit.
Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the world, according to the American Heart Association.
To find a CPR class near you, click here.
►Watch a CPR and AED expert give a demonstration here:
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