Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Is it different than a heart attack?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is an electrical issue where the heart stops working and is unable to pump the blood through the body. As to where a heart attack is a blockage issue and the blood is unable to move and supply to the vital organs. If a heart attack is left untreated, it can lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
What is Hands Only CPR?
Hands Only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths. Performing HO CPR allows bystanders to quickly help the person in SCA by calling 911, and pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest of at least 100-120. (That's nearly 2 compressions every second.)
Why is hands only CPR important?
Research proves we need to keep the most important organ in our body, which is the brain, alive. Hands only CPR keeps blood flowing to the person's brain, heart and other vital organs after their heart stops beating effectively. This helps increase their chances of survival.
What is an AED and how can using one help?
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. It's an easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. This device is meant to be an implementation and not an interruption during compressions. All you have to do is turn it on, and do what it says.
Do I need to take a training course to learn how to do Hands-Only CPR & AED?
Taking a hands-only CPR class is the perfect opportunity to learn how to do it and why it is so important. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue offers classes for free as a non-certification hands only CPR course to unincorporated PBC and the 19 municipalities we serve. Anyone can do it, and we want to teach as many citizens as we can.