The Importance of Cardiac Emergency Preparedness: A Call to Action
In January 2023, the sports world was rocked when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during an NFL Monday Night Football game due to cardiac arrest. This shocking incident highlighted a growing public health concern: over 10,000 individuals experience cardiac arrests in U.S. workplaces every year. Hamlin’s unique professional environment allowed him to receive immediate medical attention, a stark contrast to the reality for many who suffer similar episodes outside of such settings.
The American Heart Association (AHA) underscores a critical issue: unpreparedness in workplaces across America. Alarmingly, recent surveys indicate that 70% of Americans feel powerless to act during a cardiac emergency. This hesitation becomes even more concerning when you consider that 90% of the nearly 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside hospital settings are fatal. Research also reveals that with each passing minute without CPR, a victim’s survival chances drop by 10%.
In response to Hamlin’s incident and his inspiring recovery, the AHA has collaborated with him to raise awareness and improve survival rates, particularly in sports settings. Their efforts are bearing fruit. Since Hamlin’s story became widely known, AHA reported an increase from 33% to 39% in the confidence of bystanders to perform CPR. In total, an additional 17.7 million Americans now feel equipped to act in life-threatening situations.
Building Partnerships for Change
Recognizing the pressing need for cardiac emergency readiness in the workplace, the AHA has partnered with payroll giant ADP. Given that about one in six American workers rely on ADP’s technology, this partnership is poised to amplify their message significantly.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the AHA, emphasized the importance of empowering everyone with the skills to act in emergencies, stating, "Everyone can be a lifesaver; this is a superpower that everyone should know."
ADP’s CEO, Maria Black, echoed this sentiment, sharing how the alarming statistics around cardiac emergencies in workplaces compelled her and her team to initiate systemic changes—not just within their own organization but across their client base as well.
To facilitate this, ADP now provides hands-only CPR education through their mobile app, used by over 14 million workers monthly. This initiative includes an easy-to-follow toolkit and a playbook designed to equip employees with crucial lifesaving skills.
Real-Life Impact: A Story of Heroism
The transformative power of CPR training is illustrated by a real-life incident involving Raheem Morris, the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Following AHA-facilitated CPR and AED training for NFL teams, Morris found himself in a life-or-death situation while on vacation. He witnessed a young boy drowning in a hotel pool, and when the child was pulled out, he had no pulse. Thanks to his CPR training, Morris collaborated with a lifeguard and an off-duty doctor to revive the boy.
Nancy Brown poignantly stated, "There isn’t fast enough action to save someone." This underscores the urgency of not just awareness, but actionable training that can culminate in life-saving outcomes.
Join the Movement
As a part of the Extreme Investor Network, we firmly believe that innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about improving lives and advocating for public health. Investing in workplace safety and emergency preparedness should be a top priority for all businesses.
By fostering an environment where every employee is trained to respond to cardiac emergencies, we are not just saving lives but creating a community that values health and safety. As we continue to advocate for essential training and awareness, let’s remember: every moment counts.
For more insights on innovation and effective workplace strategies, stay connected with us at Extreme Investor Network. Together, let’s change the narrative around cardiac emergencies. After all, every investment in knowledge is an investment in life.