Why do I need to learn CPR... can't I just call an ambulance?

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Why do I need to learn CPR... can't I just call an ambulance?

  • Jan 17, 2017

The most famous phone number in the United States - - 911

Ever since you were a kid, you knew that if you ever needed emergency help, calling 911 was the right move to reach the fire department, police or ambulances.

If you see someone suddenly collapse onto the ground and become unresponsive, should you call 911? ... Of Course

But how long will it take for the ambulance to arrive?

Although EMTs and Paramedics try to reach victims quickly using lights and sirens, it can often take a long time for the ambulance to arrive. In New York City, the average ambulance response time to a life threatening emergency is over 8 minutes.  

8 minutes! That's a long time when your friend or family member is not breathing or choking.

When someone goes into cardiac arrest - a condition where the heart suddenly stops beating - they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally. Each passing minute without care results in a 7-10% plunge in survival, according to the American Heart Association.

That's 10% per minute.

If it takes 8 minutes for an ambulance to show up and no one has helped the patient in the meantime, that victim will probably not survive.

Early CPR from bystanders can triple a person's chance at survival and keep that person alive until the ambulance arrives and takes over.

Empower yourself with real knowledge on how to respond to an emergency by taking a CPR AED class.