Throughout the day, piergoers stopped to learn the simple lifesaving technique, with emergency personnel providing demonstrations and hands-on practice. Participants were shown how to recognize a sudden cardiac arrest, call 911, and begin chest compressions while awaiting the arrival of first responders.
According to the Santa Monica Fire Department, approximately 350,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year in the United States. Officials emphasized that immediate action by bystanders can make a critical difference in survival outcomes.
"Every minute that goes by without CPR or interventions, your chances of survival decrease by 10 percent," said EMS Battalion Chief Patrick Nulty. "It's super important if somebody has a sudden cardiac arrest event or collapses, a bystander, a family member, a loved one, call 911 immediately and then begin hands-only compressions."
The training focused on Hands-Only CPR, which consists of two basic steps: calling 911 and performing chest compressions in the center of the chest at a rate of approximately 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Participants also learned about the importance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and how emergency dispatchers can provide guidance when an AED is available nearby.
Nulty noted that the simplified approach is designed to encourage more members of the public to take action during emergencies.
"We don't teach mouth-to-mouth anymore, so it's super simple," Nulty said. "Call 911, hands-only CPR, and then if there's an AED nearby, dispatchers will help walk you through how to use it."
Educational displays from the American Heart Association highlighted research showing that immediate bystander CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival during cardiac arrest. The materials also noted that many cardiac arrests occur at home, meaning the person needing help is often a family member, friend, or loved one.
The Santa Monica Fire Department scheduled additional community outreach during CPR Week, including a Hands-Only CPR training event at the Santa Monica Farmers Market at Second Street and Arizona Avenue on Wednesday.
More information about Hands-Only CPR and cardiac arrest response is available through the American Heart Association.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public safety, community outreach, and emergency preparedness efforts throughout Santa Monica.
