Your Hand Is Their Heart: The Life-Changing Power of Bystander CPR

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

When someone collapses from sudden cardiac arrest, time becomes the most critical factor. Every second without circulation decreases their chance of survival. But here’s the powerful truth: your hand can become their heart.

That’s right—Your Hand Is Their Heart. With each compression you give, you’re acting as a life-support system, pumping blood to vital organs and keeping them alive until professional help arrives.

Why Bystander CPR Matters

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year. It can happen anywhere—on the street, at home, in the gym, or at a ball game. But what happens in the first few minutes after collapse is critical.

When a bystander steps in and starts high-quality CPR, it can double or even triple the chance of survival.

Unfortunately, too many people hesitate to act. Maybe they’re afraid of doing it wrong. Maybe they think someone else will step in. But doing something is almost always better than doing nothing. And hands-only CPR is simple and effective:

  1. Call 911 (or direct someone else to do it).
  2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (to the beat of a song like Stayin’ Alive).
  3. Don’t stop until help arrives or an AED is available.

Every Second Counts

The heart stops pumping oxygen-rich blood to the brain and body immediately after cardiac arrest. Brain damage can begin in as little as 4–6 minutes without circulation. Emergency services often take longer than that to arrive. That’s why you—yes, you—are the first line of defense.

Your quick action can keep someone’s brain and body alive until professional responders can restart their heart.

The Simplicity and Strength of Hands-Only CPR

You don’t need to be certified to perform hands-only CPR. Just knowing the basics and having the courage to step in can make all the difference.

  • No breaths required. Just focus on hard, fast compressions.
  • 100–120 compressions per minute. That’s about 2 per second.
  • Push at least 2 inches deep in the center of the chest.

Be the Difference

When you hear, “Your Hand Is Their Heart,” remember: your hands hold the power to save a life. You don’t need a medical degree. You don’t need special equipment. You need the willingness to act and the confidence that your help matters.

If you’ve never taken a CPR course, let this be your sign to do it. If you’ve taken one before, consider refreshing your skills or practicing on a manikin.

Because one day, a life may depend on your hands.

Your Hand Is Their Heart—Don’t Hesitate. Start CPR. Save a Life.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: info@aed365.com

Why Every Pool Needs an AED This Summer — From Backyard Pools to HOA Swim Clubs

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, families and communities everywhere are opening their pools for the summer season. Whether it’s your own backyard pool or the neighborhood HOA swimming facility, now is the perfect time to think beyond sunscreen and pool noodles — and make sure lifesaving equipment like an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is part of your poolside safety plan.

While drowning remains a serious concern around water, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an often overlooked risk. Drowning can trigger cardiac arrest, and in some cases, cardiac events occur first, especially in individuals with underlying heart conditions. Children, teens, adults — no one is immune.

When SCA happens, every second counts. CPR helps, but defibrillation within 3–5 minutes of collapse can increase survival rates by up to 70%. That’s where an AED comes in — a lightweight, easy-to-use device that can restore a normal heart rhythm with a shock if needed.

Here’s why having an AED near your pool is just as essential as a life ring or a first aid kit:

  1. Water and Heart Health Don’t Always Mix
    Cold water, overexertion, or pre-existing heart conditions can lead to SCA — even in young, healthy swimmers.
  2. Time is Critical
    Calling 911 is important, but emergency responders may not arrive fast enough. AEDs give bystanders the power to act immediately while waiting for help.
  3. Most Cardiac Arrests Are Witnessed
    In busy pool environments, there are usually bystanders present who can use an AED. The sooner the shock is delivered, the better the outcome.
  4. Easy to Use — Even for Non-Medical Personnel
    Modern AEDs provide step-by-step voice instructions, making them user-friendly for anyone in an emergency situation.
  5. Liability & Responsibility
    For HOA-managed pools, having an AED on site demonstrates proactive safety planning and can reduce legal liability in the event of a tragedy.

Training pool staff, lifeguards, and even regular pool-goers on CPR and AED use can make all the difference. Adding signage and regular safety checks ensures that your AED is visible, charged, and ready to rescue.

As we dive into the fun of summer, don’t overlook this critical layer of protection. AEDs save lives — and placing one within reach at your HOA pool, swim club, or even backyard pool could be the difference between life and death.

This season, let’s make poolside preparedness a priority — because every life is worth saving.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: info@aed365.com

Celebrating National CPR and AED Awareness Week 2025: Empowering Communities to Save Lives

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

June 1–7 marks National CPR and AED Awareness Week, a time to spotlight the life-saving power of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This observance serves as a reminder that anyone, anywhere, can be trained to act in a cardiac emergency—and that doing so can make all the difference.

🫀 Why CPR and AED Matter

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims over 350,000 lives annually in the United States, with approximately 70% occurring at home. When the heart stops beating, every second counts. For each minute without CPR, the chance of survival decreases by 7–10%. Immediate action—starting CPR and using an AED—can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

🧠 The Power of Hands-Only CPR

Hands-Only CPR is a simplified technique that removes the need for mouth-to-mouth contact, making it more accessible and less intimidating for untrained bystanders. It involves two simple steps: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. This approach has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR in many cases and encourages more people to take action during emergencies.

⚡ The Role of AEDs

An AED is a portable device that can analyze a person’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to restore normal rhythm. Using an AED within the first three minutes of cardiac arrest can boost survival rates by over 80%. Despite their effectiveness, many people hesitate to use AEDs due to misconceptions about their complexity. In reality, AEDs are designed for ease of use, with visual and audio prompts guiding users through the process.

Most cardiac arrests occur at home, often involving loved ones. This underscores the importance of having trained individuals in every household. By learning CPR and familiarizing oneself with the location of nearby AEDs, you can become a vital link in the chain of survival. Programs like PulsePoint are working to increase AED accessibility and alert trained bystanders to nearby emergencies.

During National CPR and AED Awareness Week, consider taking a CPR and AED training course. The American Heart Association offers resources to help you find a course near you. Additionally, many communities host events and provide free training sessions to encourage widespread participation.

🫶 You Can Be a Lifesaver

Whether you’re at home, at work, or in your community, knowing CPR and how to use an AED can empower you to act swiftly and effectively in a cardiac emergency. By participating in National CPR and AED Awareness Week, you’re not only gaining valuable skills but also contributing to a culture of preparedness and care.Remember, every second counts. This week, take the step to learn CPR and AED skills—you could be the difference between life and death for someone you love.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: info@aed365.com