CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is vital to saving the life of someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. Bystander initiated CPR can double or triple the chances of survival from cardiac arrest.
Take the CPR Quiz: (Click on the plus sign for the answers to each question)
False – Heart attack refers to a lack of blood flow to the heart, commonly caused by plaque. A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops. A heart attack may lead to a cardiac arrest, but there are other causes.
False – Agonal or gasping breaths are common after someone’s heart stops beating. If you wait until the breathing stops, brain death has already begun.
False – AEDs are intended to be used by the general public and significantly increase the chance of survival from cardiac arrest.
True – Chest compressions should be 2-2.4” deep in an adult. Sometimes this causes separation of the sternum or ribs and feels like bones are breaking. This is normal and compressions should be continued. Bones can heal once you save their life.
True – If it is not your job to do CPR, but you use it to save someone’s life, you are protected by this law.
The Arlington County Fire Department and VHC Health partnered to support a community CPR program called Hands2Hearts. The focus of this program is to train people how to recognize a cardiac arrest, request help, and initiate hands-only CPR. If you have a group of 15 or more that are interested in hosting Hands2Hearts at your location, please fill out this request form linked here. For additional information, please emailHands2Hearts@arlingtonva.us
This is not a certification class. Those wanting to become certified should see the options below.
Fire@arlingtonva.us
ACFD-CommunityEngagement@arlingtonva.us
fire-firecodeinquiry@arlingtonva.us
firepio@arlingtonva.us
firehr@arlingtonva.us