Every second counts when saving lives. Cardiac arrest occurrences can happen unexpectedly, so everyone needs to be well-prepared and equipped with the knowledge to provide CPR whenever the time comes. Through a combination of prompt response times and innovative initiatives, Tulsa makes every moment matter, ensuring its residents can act as first responders when the need arises.
Here, we will explore how Tulsa is making every moment matter with CPR and keeping up with the CPR initiatives, community awareness, and engagement.
Importance of CPR in Saving Lives
Cardiac arrest claims people’s lives unexpectedly, making it a silent threat that can lead to an increased number of deaths. Medical emergencies in Tulsa are very common, with thousands of residents facing the terrifying reality of cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest can cause irreversible damage to vital organs if help is not provided immediately. Brain damage occurs after 5 to 10 minutes if the victim does not breathe and supply oxygen to the vital organs. It takes an average of 7 minutes for the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) to arrive at the scene. This time can increase depending on the location and traffic. Sometimes, the response time is associated with an undesired outcome.
A study in the journal Circulation has shown that hands-only CPR doubled individuals’ odds of surviving at least 30 more days after cardiac arrest. This research shows that every second counts and can make all the difference between life and death. The findings in the report highlight the importance of immediate action.
Overview of Tulsa’s Initiatives
Tulsa has initiated a comprehensive program to combat cardiac arrest emergencies and spread awareness of the importance of CPR training among locals and residents. The city recognizes the role of early responding, prompt 911 calls, and public access to AEDs. And this is how Tulsa is making every moment matter with CPR.
Statistics on Cardiac Arrest in Tulsa
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation announced the outstanding survival rates in Oklahoma, in the service area of Tulsa. According to the data of 2012, the first responder agencies have achieved a survival rate of 45.2%. The medical director for the medical control board claimed that these results were “outstanding” for Tulsa, approximating a survival rate that has never been heard before.
The annual report of Tulsa’s Community Health Assessment has showcased a great share of cardiovascular deaths attributed to health disease. Tulsa County attributes 244.6 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to 234.7 in the state of Oklahoma.
The most common cardiovascular risk factors included:
- Blood pressure and cholesterol
- Cigarette smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
The presence of one or more of these cardiovascular risk factors increases the prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest.
A quick response is crucial in taking care of individuals with cardiac arrest. It’s a fight against time where the chances of survival decrease by 10% for each minute that passes.
CPR Training for the Community
Tulsa has recognized the importance of CPR knowledge and has taken proactive steps in creating a well-prepared community ready to act in case of cardiac arrest emergency. Two of the key elements in the training provided in Tulsa are user-friendliness and simplicity.
People from all ages and professions can learn how to incorporate CPR into their lives, and the focus is on hands-only training sessions, which involve mouth-to-mouth breathing and chest compressions. The approach is highly effective and easier for bystanders to perform, making it ideal in emergencies.
These programs are accessible across the city and incorporate CPR training as a vital part of the curriculum. Additionally, healthcare facilities and local community centers offer low-cost or free CPR training to residents.
Public Access to AEDs
Public access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is critical in providing help in cardiac arrest emergencies. These portable devices can be used immediately and are designed to induce shocks to the heart and restore the normal rhythm.
Tulsa has enabled access to AEDs in strategic locations, including airports, public spaces, schools, and sports venues. What makes these devices valuable is the proven success rates of increasing survival chances for cardiac arrest victims.
Community Awareness and Engagement
AED and CPR training are important, but additional measures need to be taken into consideration for successful CPR awareness. Local organizations collaborate with community centers and schools to host CPR workshops and awareness events. These events help residents understand the role of CPR by encouraging them to participate in the hands-on training sessions. This way, the residents can practice their skills under the guidance of trained instructors.
Tulsa has also embraced the power of storytelling by sharing the stories of individuals who made a difference by performing CPR. The stories highlight the impact of ordinary people in saving lives.
First Responders
Every second counts, and there is a strong emphasis on collaboration between the EMS providers and the community. First responders are essential in critical situations, and their timely arrival can positively influence the outcome.
The Importance of 911 Calls and Early CPR
Community members witnessing an SCA emergency call 911 number immediately, while bystanders initiate CPR and increase the victim’s chances of survival. Response times are closely monitored, and Tulsa is working on minimizing the time of reaching a cardiac arrest victim.
The integration of professional medical care and trained CPR bystanders has proven to be a winning combination for saving lives.
Response Times and Their Impact on Outcomes
The city has increased the chances of immediate intervention during cardiac emergencies by equipping more individuals with the required skills to perform CPR. When CPR is promptly initiated, it helps maintain oxygen flow and blood circulation, preventing brain damage and improving the likelihood of survival.
Success Stories
Tulsa’s football player suffered a cardiac arrest during a field game in 2022. Collin Cottom collapsed on the field during a Victory Christian School game and received chest compressions from Cascia Hall’s parents. Karissa Cottom, his mother, has claimed that using an AED kept him alive.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cardiac arrests happen in out-of-hospital settings in the United States alone. Fewer than half of these people receive the needed immediate help, thus resulting in decreased survival rates.
The American Heart Association challenges everybody to join the Nation of Lifesavers and provide CPR and AED education as part of the community in every state. The project will ensure that someone will be available to provide CPR assistance in case of a cardiac arrest emergency. Anyone can learn how to give CPR in 90 seconds and save a life.
Saving Lives Through CPR
Tulsa is one of the cities that recognize and understand the value of every second and has made remarkable moves in promoting CPR awareness. The city offers widespread CPR training sessions, fosters public awareness on the topic, and works on facilitating the collaboration between bystanders and first responders.
The heart of Tulsa beats in alignment with the motto that “every second counts and every life is worth saving”, thus becoming a beacon of hope for its residents. And this is how Tulsa is making every moment matter with CPR.