SACRAMENTO, January 29, 2024 — Lindsay Samples, 34 years old, was on a routine lunchtime jog from Stonegate Drive approaching Lake Washington Blvd when she suddenly collapsed in cardiac arrest. CPR from a stranger saved her life.
During February – American Heart Month – the American Heart Association is urging all families to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers, an initiative focused on doubling the survival rate of cardiac arrest by 2030. The American Heart Association set that bold goal to mark its 100th birthday this year. Local businesses, landmarks, legislators, media personalities and others will all join the Association in marking this special American Heart Month and inviting everyone to learn the two easy steps to Hands-Only CPR.
With more than 350,0000 people experiencing cardiac arrests outside of a hospital, including 23,000 children, CPR is a critical skill that kids as young as 9 years old can learn.[1][2][3]
“Immediate CPR from someone nearby can double—even triple—their chance of survival– which is key since about 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die,” saidAmerican Heart Association Sacramento Board Member and Cardiologist at Sutter Health, Dr. Reetu Sharma. “If you are called to respond in a cardiac emergency, knowing CPR may save the life of someone you know or love.”
Samples was lucky. Nine out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest don’t survive. Now she gives back as a volunteer board member for the American Heart Association Sacramento. When Samples suddenly collapsed on that day in 2016, a passerby called 911, but Lindsay lost her pulse in the meantime. Fortunately, there were a few bystanders that knew how to perform CPR and one of them gave Lindsay chest compressions until medical help arrived. Receiving CPR in those precious minutes until help arrived is what saved Linday’s life.
Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers. The multi-year initiative will ensure young people and adults can learn about CPR and AED use, share that knowledge with friends and family and engage employers, policymakers, philanthropists and others to create support for a Nation of Lifesavers. The long-term goal: to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival.
Learning CPR is easier than ever with many learning options available to families. In Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto, families can take an online CPR course, learn and practice Hands-Only CPR with a CPR Anytime® Training Kit, watch a 60-second video to learn Hands-Only CPR, find a Heartsaver™ certification course near them, or check out this CPR demonstration by a health expert.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. Women are also less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the victim.
To help raise crucial awareness in the fight against heart disease in women, the Association is also encouraging Sacramentans and Greater Valley residents to wear red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 2.
From landmarks to news anchors to neighborhoods and communities, this annual groundswell of support unites millions of people for a common goal: to end heart disease and stroke. In Sacramento and Greater Valley, the landmarks that will light up red in a dazzling display of support for National Wear Red Day include Sutter Health Medical Center in Sacramento, Sutter Health Memorial Medical Center in Modesto as we well as City of Lathrop and Collins Electrical Company, Inc. in Stockton. Vintage Faire Mall, located in Modesto, CA, is also going red and celebrating a host of activities to celebrate National Wear Red Day. The California State Legislature will also host its annual “Capitol Goes Red” event to raise awareness about women’s heart health.
For more information on how to join the Nation of Lifesavers this February or for heart and brain health resources, visit heart.org/nation.
Additional Resources:
- Bystander CPR
- Bystander CPR Infographic
- Hands-Only CPR Resources
- Women and CPR
- Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
- CPR with Breaths
- AED Information
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Vibhuti (Vi) Gupta; Phone: 916-892-6442 or Email: Vibhuti.gupta@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org