CPR Saves Lives: Why Every Family Needs This Skill During Heart Month

Cardiac arrest can strike anywhere, and quick action can save a life. Federico Guillermo De Puy, MD, with Our Lady of the Lake, says CPR matters most in the first critical minutes after the heart stops. About 350,000 cardiac arrests happen each year, and most occur at home. Hands-only CPR is simple: call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Keeping blood moving protects the brain and can double or triple survival odds. Families can learn the basics in minutes through free videos and training tools at heart.org, making it an easy step toward better heart health.