FLINT, MI — When an adult experiences sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends greatly on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby. However, less than one-third of cardiac arrest victims get that help. Most bystanders are worried they might do something wrong or make the situation worse. Hands-Only™ CPR is an easy and effective technique that can be used to save lives. It does not involve mouth-to-mouth breathing and simply requires two hands.
In response to the need to educate the public on this life-saving technique, the Ad Council and American Heart Association has launched a national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign that encourages bystanders to use Hands-Only CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) when an adult collapses and is unresponsive. Hands-Only CPR, or CPR without mouth-to-mouth breathing, is a two-step technique that involves calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until professional help arrives.
“Hands-Only CPR is an easy and effective technique that has the potential to save lives every day if we can educate more Americans about it and reduce their fears and hesitation,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council.
Forty-four percent of adults say they would not perform CPR because they’re not confident in their ability, according to a national American Heart Association survey conducted in 2008. Consumer research also shows that people often hesitate because they’re not comfortable with giving mouth-to-mouth CPR.
“This new campaign beautifully depicts the power of hands in helping to save a life,” Conlon said. “I believe it will empower more bystanders to take action when they see someone in cardiac arrest.”
Through the Hands-Only CPR campaign, the American Heart Association and Ad Council hope to reach all adults, particularly women age 55 years and older who are most likely to be the spouses of potential victims.
“For years the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest has been abysmal,” said Clyde Yancy, M.D., American Heart Association president. “Bystanders hold the key to increasing survival. We hope this campaign will break through the barriers people have when they see someone in cardiac arrest — so that anyone who hears this message can help save a life.”
Visitors to the Web site, www.HandsOnlyCPR.org, can also download a free instructional application for their smartphone that teaches the technique. The application is available on the iPhone and iPod touch, Blackberry, Palm Pre and Android (Google) platforms.
“It’s a rare occasion when advertising can help save lives,” said Peter McGuinness, CEO of Gotham. “We hope that through this campaign, we can encourage all bystanders, trained or untrained, to do something when they see an adult suddenly collapse.”
Deck the halls, hold the calls
By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
The holiday season is upon us and many people will be singing along with their favorite seasonal songs.
So go ahead – sing your Jingle Bells and ring your Silver Bells. But, hold your calls if your business can wait until after the holidays.
For years, Social Security has told the public that the busiest time for our field offices and for our toll free telephone number is early in the week and early in the month, so if your business can wait, it’s best to contact us at other times. The same advice applies to the holiday time, especially the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s. So if you must do business with Social Security during the holidays, you may experience more busy signals and longer wait times.
As an alternative, we suggest you consider going online to www.socialsecurity.gov, where we have a wealth of information and online services available. You can apply online for retirement or disability benefits, or check on the status of your pending application. If you are already a Social Security beneficiary, you can go online to change your address, phone number, or your direct deposit information, get a replacement Medicare card, or request a proof of income letter.
If you get an opportunity to visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov, you may save yourself a call or a trip altogether. But if you do need to speak to a Social Security representative, we’ll be there for you.
Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 50 College SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.
