Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone—at home, at work, or out in the community. When it happens, every second counts. American Heart Association (AHA) CPR training teaches people how to recognize an emergency, take immediate action, and give someone the critical chance of survival before EMS arrives.

This guide—part of BVAC’s community safety and first-aid education series—explains why CPR training matters and how AHA-certified skills save lives every day.

Why CPR Is So Important

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States—and it often occurs far from medical help.

Key facts:
✔ Most cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals
✔ Nearly 70% occur in the home, often in front of family
✔ Bystander CPR can double or triple survival rates
✔ Immediate CPR keeps oxygen flowing until an AED or EMS arrives

When CPR begins quickly, the chances of survival increase dramatically.

What AHA CPR Training Teaches You

The American Heart Association sets the national standard for CPR, AED use, and emergency cardiovascular care.

AHA courses teach:
✔ How to recognize cardiac arrest
✔ How to check responsiveness and breathing
✔ Proper hand placement and compression depth
✔ How to use an AED safely and effectively
✔ How to assist someone who is choking
✔ How to respond to breathing emergencies

These skills are simple, powerful, and proven to save lives.

Why CPR Training Matters for Families

Since most cardiac arrests happen at home, CPR training is one of the most important skills a parent, spouse, or caregiver can have.

CPR helps in situations such as:
• Heart attacks
• Drowning
• Choking
• Sudden collapse
• Overdose
• Pediatric breathing emergencies

Knowing how to act prevents panic and gives your loved one a fighting chance.

CPR in the Workplace – A Critical Safety Standard

Workplace emergencies are more common than many realize. AHA CPR certification supports OSHA compliance and strengthens emergency readiness for:

✔ Schools and childcare programs
✔ Gyms and fitness centers
✔ Hospitality and food service
✔ Retail stores
✔ Construction and trade industries
✔ Corporate offices

Teams that train together respond faster and more confidently.

Building a Safer Community

CPR-trained community members form the first link in the chain of survival.
A strong community response saves lives long before an ambulance arrives.

AHA CPR helps create safer:
✔ Neighborhoods
✔ Faith-based organizations
✔ Sports programs
✔ Senior centers
✔ Community events

A prepared community is a resilient community.

When to Call 911

Call emergency services immediately when someone:

• Has trouble breathing
• Has severe chest pain
• Collapses or becomes unresponsive
• Has uncontrolled bleeding
• Shows signs of poisoning or overdose
• Has confusion, seizure, or stroke symptoms
• Appears to be in a potentially life-threatening situation

When in doubt—call.

Training Makes the Difference

Hands-on practice builds real confidence. BVAC offers nationally recognized training programs including:

✔ AHA CPR & AED Certification
✔ AHA Heartsaver & BLS Courses
✔ First Aid for Families & Workplaces
✔ BVAC First Response Essentials
✔ Stop the Bleed
✔ Tactical Medicine

These programs give students the skills to act when seconds matter.