The Life-Saving Importance Of CPR During American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and the importance of heart disease prevention. One of the most crucial life-saving skills related to heart health is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is performed when someone is either unresponsive and not breathing or is gasping for air. It is used to help save a life during cardiac arrest when the heart stops beating or is beating too ineffectively to circulate blood to vital organs. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and knowing how to perform CPR can significantly increase survival rates.

OSHA Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) requirements for CPR and first aid vary based on industry and workplace hazards. The General Industry Standard for Medical and First Aid (29 CFR 1910.151) requires workplaces to have trained first-aid providers if medical facilities are not nearby, adequate first-aid supplies readily available, and CPR training is strongly recommended but not explicitly required. OSHA’s Construction Industry Standard for Medical Services and First Aid (29 CFR 1926.50) is slightly more stringent, requiring at least one trained first-aid provider must be available on-site, first-aid supplies must be easily accessible and comply with ANSI standards, and emergency medical services must be available within reasonable proximity. In specific high-risk industries such as Logging, Electric Power, and Confined Spaces, CPR and first-aid training are mandatory due to high-risk environments. Finally, workers providing first aid may require training on bloodborne pathogens and proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use, as required by 29 CFR 1910.1030. Employers should conduct hazard assessments to determine the need for CPR/first-aid training and ensure compliance with OSHA standards.

Why is CPR Important During American Heart Month?

American Heart Month serves as a reminder of how serious heart disease and cardiac emergencies are. As stated previously, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and many cases involve sudden cardiac arrest. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S., with nearly 90% of them being fatal if CPR is not administered immediately¹.

CPR can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one or coworker. CPR keeps blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until emergency responders arrive, improving survival rates significantly.

How CPR Saves Lives

1. Increases Survival Chances

When a person suffers cardiac arrest, their heart suddenly stops beating. Performing CPR within the first few minutes can double or triple survival rates, giving the victim a fighting chance until paramedics arrive.

2. Prevents Brain Damage

Without oxygen, the brain starts suffering damage within four to six minutes. CPR keeps the brain active, reducing the risk of long-term disabilities or death.

3. Empowers Anyone to Help

With hands-only CPR, even bystanders with no medical training can perform chest compressions to keep blood circulating. Learning this skill can turn an everyday person into a lifesaver.

How to Perform Hands-Only CPR

1. Call 911 – If a person collapses and is unresponsive, call for emergency help immediately.
2. Start Chest Compressions – Place both hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 beats per minute (roughly to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees).
3. Continue Until Help Arrives – Don’t stop compressions until professional medical assistance takes over.

Encouraging CPR Training During Heart Month

American Heart Month is the perfect time to take a CPR certification course. Organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross offer classes that teach both hands-only CPR and full CPR with rescue breaths. Many workplaces, schools, and community centers provide CPR training programs in February to promote heart health awareness. By learning CPR and spreading awareness, we can take action against sudden cardiac arrest and save more lives.

This American Heart Month, commit to making a difference. Whether by learning CPR, spreading awareness, or encouraging others to get trained, every action counts toward saving lives from heart-related emergencies. When seconds matter, performing CPR can be the ultimate act of love and care for someone in need.

If you have any questions about CPR, First Aid, or Emergency Response and how to address specific concerns at your facility to meet OSHA regulations, please contact Victoria Sparks at 859.447.9156 or vsparks@all4inc.com.

¹ American Red Cross Association, CPR Facts and Statistics (October 2, 2024).