The Irish Heart Foundation advocates for CPR training across Ireland in communities to improve the chance of survival for victims of cardiac arrest.

Bystander CPR

Each year there are between 5,000 to 6,000 cardiac arrests in Ireland and approximately 70 per cent of these happen in the home in the presence of family and friends. Victims of cardiac arrest out of hospital currently have just a one per cent chance of survival in Ireland. But in Seattle, USA, there is a 24 per cent survival rate.

It is the goal of the Foundation to encourage the uptake of CPR courses in every community in Ireland and to train 10 per cent of the adult population in CPR by 2009.

Furthermore, the Foundation is calling for the introduction of CPR training on to the school curriculum, starting with Transition Year students.

70 per cent of those in cardiac arrest have been found to be in a “shockable” rhythm. If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is nearby, a victim’s chance of survival could be dramatically improved.

CPR can mean the difference between life and death, which is why it is vital to train as many people as possible.

For every minute after collapse without CPR or defibrillation the chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 per cent per minute. Immediate application of CPR combined with a call to the Emergency Services on 999 or 112, saves lives.

Dublin Airport and Croke Park have had excellent results with their CPR and defibrillation programmes.

Read more about Resuscitation