CDC: 70% of cardiac arrests occur at home

Emergency physician Comilla Sasson helped write a statement with the American Heart Association to stress the importance of knowing what to do during an emergency.

News 12 Staff

May 20, 2023, 4:54 PM

Updated 501 days ago

Share:

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home.
Half of those people do not get the help they need before an ambulance arrives.
Emergency physician Comilla Sasson helped write a statement with the American Heart Association to stress the importance of knowing what to do during an emergency.
"Oftentimes people don't recognize it soon enough,” she said. “Nine out of ten people will not survive."
It is important to act quickly. According to Sasson, every minute a person in cardiac arrest doesn't get CPR, their chances of survival go down by 10%.
In order for young children to help someone suffering from cardiac arrest, Sasson says they must know their home addresses and how to quickly call 911.
She also says older children can even be trained to administer CPR to help keep the patient's blood flowing until EMTs arrive.