Red Cross urges people to learn CPR and AED skills
Vermont Business Magazine October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, designed to inform the public about warning signs, risk factors, and what to do in a cardiac emergency. During this month, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to enroll in a CPR and AED course so they can learn how to help save a life when someone goes into cardiac arrest and minutes matter.
Each year, more than 350,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the U.S. and about 90% of them die. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating normally because of abnormal electrical activity. Every second counts, so it’s important for people to be trained in knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED. Immediate CPR delivered by a bystander can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. More than 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home.
Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to sign up for online, blended learning or in-person training classes today.
“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time without warning,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional CEO, American Red Cross. “It’s important to be ready to take action whether that’s calling 911, starting chest compressions or using an AED. Red Cross training can give you the skills and confidence to act in an emergency.”
An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, advises the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock, known as defibrillation, which can help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. For each minute that defibrillation is delayed, a person’s chance for survival is reduced by about 10%.
October 16 is World Restart a Heart Day, an international initiative designed to increase awareness about the importance of knowing what to do in a cardiac emergency and learning Hands-Only CPR. The goal is to save more lives by increasing the rate of bystanders getting involved and giving CPR to someone who needs it.
Last year, more than 6.6 million people turned to the Red Cross for First Aid, CPR and AED and other lifesaving training. Training helps provide the confidence and skills to act when moments matter.
Sometimes people refrain from helping someone who needs CPR because they are afraid that they’ll injure the person or do something wrong. Calling 911 and starting chest compressions is better than doing nothing at all. It can help give the person a better chance of survival.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app and activate the First Aid Skill for Alexa-enabled devices for instant access to guidance on what to do during an emergency.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
BURLINGTON, Vt., OCTOBER 11, 2025 — American Red Cross
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