Newsletter

The first week of June is National CPR and AED awareness week. As we prepare for warm weather get-togethers or trips, ensure you know what you need to know to keep your friends and family safe this summer and beyond.

Why learn CPR or how to use an AED?

According to the American Heart Association, 436,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest every year. Over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital annually. Only 40% of the victims of these cardiac arrests receive bystander CPR. Yet if CPR is performed immediately, it can double or triple the chance of survival. 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes. That means if you have the opportunity to perform CPR, it will likely be a person whom you know and love.

How will I know when to perform CPR?

If an individual has no pulse or is not breathing for 10 seconds, check their responsiveness. Tap or shake their shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you ok?” If they do not respond, it is time to act. Check to ensure the environment is safe for them to stay where they are. Call 9-1-1 or if possible, send someone to do so. If there is an AED, ask someone to get it or get it yourself.

How do I perform CPR on a stranger or if I am not trained?

The American Heart Association recommends “hands-only CPR” for individuals who have not been trained in CPR, feel rusty on their training, or do not feel comfortable doing rescue breaths on a stranger. Hands-only CPR is just as it sounds - only the chest compression portion of a typical CPR round. To perform chest compressions, kneel next to the adult’s neck and shoulders, while they are on their back on a firm surface. Place your hand, one under the other, in the center of the person’s chest. With your elbows straight and your shoulders directly above your hands, press straight down between 2-2.4 inches. Use your entire body weight. Continue making these compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions a minute. To keep the beat, make the compressions to the rhythm of “Stayin’ Alive”. Allow the chest to recoil after each push. For hands-only CPR, continue chest compressions until the person recovers or the emergency personnel takes over. The instructions vary for babies and children.

What is an AED and how do I use it?

An AED is an automated external defibrillator, used to revive someone from a heart attack. If you experience an emergency at work or in another public place, the building may have an AED available. AEDs come with extensive instructions and can even determine if a person needs to receive a shock or not, but the best practice is to get trained before using one.

Where can I learn more?

The Red Cross and American Heart Association provide classes in CPR, AED use, and first aid. Free or inexpensive classes may also be found in your community.

Encourage your children to play a role in meal planning. Maybe they have a favorite dish or want to try a new cuisine. Take the time to discuss the nutritional value of the foods you use. Not only does this instill good eating habits, but it also introduces scientific concepts in a fun and practical way. Explaining how yeast makes bread rise or why eggs change their structure when heated transforms cooking into an interactive learning platform.

This is also an excellent time to talk about safety in the kitchen. Educate your children about safe tool handling and fire safety. Your patience and attentive supervision will go a long way in ensuring their confidence grows alongside their skills.

Establishing regular family cooking days will foster a tradition of joy, learning, and love for the world of cooking. Ultimately, your kitchen isn’t merely a room for meal preparation but a lively stage where beautiful (and tasty) memories are made.

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