Call. Push. Shock. Save a Life.
This past weekend at the Minnesota State High School Wrestling Tournament, a local teenager was saved thanks to the fast actions of first responders.
Brayden Weber from Becker had just completed his match in St. Paul, when he collapsed. Fortunately, medical personnel were able to come to his aid, start CPR and were able revive his heart within a few minutes. He regained consciousness and was even able to give a thumbs up to the crowd shortly thereafter.
The student was extremely fortunate. Only one in 10 individuals survives sudden cardiac arrest. His story should help serve as a good reminder for all of us to know what to do if anyone collapses and needs life-saving care. The steps you take to help a friend, family member or any individual in need could make the difference between life and death.
Update: It was later reported that Brayden's collapse was caused by a previously undiagnosed heart abnormality. Learn more about his story from FOX 9.Call-Push-Shock
It is estimated that you triple an individual’s chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest if you take the following three steps.
- Call 911.
- Push – Find the center of the individual’s chest and give 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute.
- Shock the individual using an AED (if available).
Starting bystander CPR before emergency personal responds can help improve survival rates. Emergency personnel responding to your call should have an AED with them. Depending on where you are, many schools and other community buildings may have an AED present. In 2019, a CentraCare physician went into sudden cardiac arrest at the St. Cloud Area Family Y and several nurses were able to revive him with an on-site AED.
A number of SaveStations — outdoor AED units that are accessible 24/7 — have been installed in several Central Minnesota cities, including Sartell, St. Joseph, Waite Park, Richmond and Brooten. Approximately 30 SaveStations will be available this year in our communities with the help of CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center.
You should follow the Call, Push, Shock instructions above for anyone needing CPR who is older than 4 months of age. Even if you are not trained in CPR, following these instructions and giving chest compressions could help a person in need.
It's estimated that 88 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in a public setting or at home. Learning bystander CPR can significantly help improve survival rates.
If you are not confident in your ability to give CPR, find a pulse or check breathing you can still confidently follow these instructions. By doing so, for people whose life hangs in the balance, you are still making a big difference.
Review instructions for how to perform CPR on an adult, child or infant from mayoclinic.org.