CPR Saves Lives

Each year in the U.S., more than 395,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest. Fewer than 6% of those sudden cardiac arrest victims will survive without any intervention. When you stop breathing, permanent brain damage starts in just 4 minutes. After 8-10 minutes, brain death occurs. However, when CPR is provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, a victim’s chance of survival can double or even triple. Here are some CPR tips from Jim Tanler, Pavion Safety Director:

Before You Start CPR

1. Check for responsiveness: Tap their shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?”
2. Contact emergency services:
   • If others are nearby, have someone call 911.
   • If you are alone, call 911, provide details, and begin CPR.
3. Prepare the victim:
   • Lay the victim on their back and kneel next to their head and shoulders.
   • Keep your elbows straight and position your hands one on top of the other in the center of the chest.

Performing CPR

1. Chest Compressions:
   • Give 30 rapid chest compressions to a depth of at least 2 inches, at a rate of at least 100 per minute.
   • Let the chest rise completely after each compression.
2. Rescue Breaths:
   • Tilt the head and lift the chin.
   • Give 2 rescue breaths, each lasting 1 second.
3. Continue the Cycle:
   • Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until:
     • The victim wakes up.
     • An AED is brought to the scene and is ready to use.
     • A professional arrives and takes over.
4. Compression-Only CPR:
   • If you are unable or unwilling to provide rescue breaths, compression-only CPR can be performed at the rate of at least 100 compressions per minute.

Honoring David Rosenbaum

In a moment of crisis, David Rosenbaum, Technician 3 from the Pavion Integration BU, demonstrated extraordinary courage. When a colleague began to choke during lunch, David’s quick actions saved a life.

David cleared the obstruction without hesitation, ensuring his colleague could breathe again. His swift response and selflessness embody the best of Pavion. For his bravery, David was awarded Pavion’s first-ever Life Saving Award.