Amid increased awareness of the dangers of cardiac arrest and cardiovascular afflictions, it is important to note that access to civilian CPR training is available across the North Texas region.
Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during a Monday Night Football game, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Medical officials arrived immediately on the field to administer CPR and use an automated defibrillator to restore the player’s heartbeat, later transferring him to a hospital.
Hamlin survived the ordeal and remains in critical condition.
Cardiac arrest occurs when a heart suddenly stops pumping blood, resulting in blood no longer being able to reach the brain and other vital organs, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). These medical episodes are caused by forms of arrhythmias or irregularities in one’s heartbeat.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one countermeasure that can save the life of an individual undergoing an episode. The NHLBI says that most who expire due to cardiac arrest do so because treatment was not administered quickly enough.
The American Red Cross Training Service is currently offering 263 CPR classes across the Dallas area. These classes apply for use on adults and children and will teach civilians how to administer treatment including AED skills.
Multiple other locations and entities across the metroplex will also provide instruction, including CPR Certification Dallas, Texas Heart CPR Training, DFW CPR training center, and more.
Cardiac arrest is listed as a common cause of death with a 90% mortality rate, according to NHLBI. It causes 300,000 to 450,000 deaths in the United States every year and is the root of half of the deaths associated with stroke and heart attack.
A high body mass index (BMI) has also been associated with multiple cardiovascular diseases and afflictions, including heart failure, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest, according to research conducted in 2021. This association results in increased risks of both out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrests.
With Dallas-Fort Worth named one of the most obese metro areas in the country, taking measures to maintain a healthy weight is essential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues in the future. As The Dallas Express previously reported, 75% of people think their diets are healthier than they actually are.