American Heart Association has released an update in the AHA guideline for CPR. It is estimated that 330,000 deaths occur in the United States each year due to cardiac arrest. Only about six percent survive that occur outside of a hospital. Men are three times more likely to go into cardiac arrest than women. With proficient training, there is a 10-15 times greater chance of surviving. Some of us are required to take a course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; more commonly known as CPR. “It is a great way to get out of work without getting written up”, some will say. However, the series of life-saving actions help improve survival after a cardiac arrest. One day a family member falls down due to a cardiac arrest, will someone take charge or sit there trying to remember that “blow off” day because it was an excuse to get out of work? Will that increase any chances of survival? There are recent changes to the CPR guidelines that people should know about. The good news is it just got easier. According to the American Heart Association, immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system is the real key. This will be followed by early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions. Those with no training, or who are less proficient, are asked to focus primarily on chest compressions alone. A rescuer should give an adequate rate of at least 100 compressions per min and compress at a depth of at least 2 inches for an adult. The more training one has and the more proficient the rescuer is, the rescuer can move into rescue breathing, multi-rescuer coordinated CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator, also known as an AED. A victim’s chances of survival go down as time passes after a cardiac arrest and before defibrillation starts. It is important to understand and learn how to use an AED because it is becoming more of the norm for the public. More common than not, AED’s are in commercial buildings, airports, schools and other local community settings to increase chances of survival after a cardiac arrest. There are many reasons why people should take and remember their training just in case a cardiac arrest does occur, however, more people will feel more comfortable by assisting. There are many classes all over the nation. It is easy to look them up online or contact the local fire department. Butch Zemar has been teaching CPR and Recreational Scuba Rescue classes all over the Chicagoland area since 2002. Zemar is holding a CPR/AED class on January 8th at 9am at Scuba Emporium, 16336 S. 104th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60467, in the southwest suburbs. Emergency Oxygen Provider for scuba divers is also available. For additional information you can call 708-226-1614 or visit www.ScubaButch.com