Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, striking people of all ages—with little or no warning. When it happens, every second is critical. Brain damage begins within minutes, and survival depends on one thing: how quickly someone starts CPR and uses an AED.

AHA CPR & AED training gives everyday people the skills and confidence to take immediate action. This blog explains why CPR matters, how AEDs work, and why trained bystanders are the backbone of community survival.

Why CPR Matters

More than 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, often in front of family. That means the first person on scene is not a doctor, nurse, or EMT—it’s a spouse, parent, coworker, or friend.

CPR keeps blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until help arrives.
Without CPR, survival drops by 7–10% every minute.
With CPR, survival can double or triple.

How an AED Saves Lives

An AED delivers a controlled shock to restart the heart’s rhythm. Today’s AEDs are:

✔ Fully automated
✔ Easy to use
✔ Equipped with step-by-step voice prompts
✔ Designed for public spaces (schools, gyms, offices, churches)

When CPR is combined with early defibrillation from an AED, survival rates increase dramatically.

Common Myths About CPR

MYTH: “I’ll hurt the person.”
FACT: The only wrong action is doing nothing.

MYTH: “CPR is complicated.”
FACT: Hands-only CPR is simple and incredibly effective.

MYTH: “Someone else will help.”
FACT: Most people freeze or don’t know what to do. Your action is the difference.

Who Should Take CPR Training?

Everyone. But especially:

• Parents & caregivers
• Teachers & school staff
• Coaches & fitness professionals
• Workplace teams
• Security personnel
• Hospitality workers
• Community volunteers
• Faith-based organizations

CPR is one of the most universal life-saving skills anyone can learn.

What You Learn in AHA CPR Training

• Hands-only adult CPR
• Child & infant CPR
• AED use
• Choking response
• Recognizing cardiac arrest
• How to stay calm and take charge

These skills are taught hands-on with real equipment, building muscle memory and confidence.

When to Call 911

Call immediately if someone:

• Is unresponsive
• Is not breathing normally
• Suddenly collapses
• Shows signs of cardiac arrest

Start CPR immediately—and send someone to get an AED.

Why CPR Training Helps Businesses, Schools & Community Groups

Organizations benefit when staff are trained:

✔ Reduced liability
✔ Lower risk of severe injury or death
✔ Strengthened emergency response plans
✔ Potential insurance incentives or premium reductions
✔ OSHA-aligned safety readiness

A prepared workplace is safer, more confident, and more resilient during emergencies.

Training Makes the Difference

BVAC offers nationally recognized AHA CPR, AED, and First Aid training for families, workplaces, schools, and community groups.