CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — While millions of Americans serve as caregivers supporting young children and aging loved ones, many lack critical lifesaving training. This includes how to respond in a a cardiac arrest emergency. A new release from the American Red Cross shared that only one-third of U.S. adults say they feel confident and ready to act if someone goes into cardiac arrest.

More than 300,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year in the U.S. Infants, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions are among the most vulnerable. For children of all ages, more than 80% of these emergencies happen at home, making the home the frontline of response. The Red Cross says CPR and AED isn’t just a medical skill, it’s an essential.

“Having the ability to respond to a cardiac emergency makes you a better, more confident caregiver,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO for the Illinois Red Cross “Learning first aid and CPR skills may make a lifesaving difference for your child, family member, or even a stranger.” 

During National Heart Month, the American Red Cross is urging people to show your loved ones how much you care by taking a Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED class and other lifesaving skills courses. Having the knowledge and confidence to act when seconds count can triple someone’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. 

For over 100 years, the American Red Cross has been a national leader in first aid education, training more than three million people per year in first aid, CPR and AED skills to help save lives in emergencies. 

The training equips participants with the knowledge and skills to better identify and respond to heart-related emergencies, including understanding the critical differences between cardiac arrest and heart attacks. It incorporates updated warning signs, which highlight how heart attacks can present differently in women, so symptoms are recognized earlier and lifesaving action can begin sooner. Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to find a class near you.