Half Americans Lack Confidence in Life-Saving Skills: Study 

Half Americans Lack Confidence in Life-Saving Skills. Credit | iStock
Half Americans Lack Confidence in Life-Saving Skills. Credit | iStock

United States: In this case, the poll revealed that the ability of ordinary citizens of the United States to assist in emergencies is significantly lower than that of their counterparts from the same period in the past. 

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According to a study conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1,005 American adults interestingly, only 51 percent of the respondents reported knowing how to do hands-only CPR if the need arose, as Fox News reported. 

Regarding life-threatening incidents such as bleeding, only 49 percent of the respondents disclosed that they would know how to handle the case, and 56 percent stated that they could help in a choking situation. 

Half Americans Lack Confidence in Life-Saving Skills. Credit | iStock
Half Americans Lack Confidence in Life-Saving Skills. Credit | iStock

According to Nicholas Kman, M.D., emergency medicine physician at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and clinical professor of emergency medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, “The key takeaways from our survey are that patient outcomes would improve if the general public learned some basic life-saving measures in the areas of hands-only CPR, choking rescue and bleeding control,” as Fox News reported. 

“We can save lives while we wait for first responders to arrive,” Kman said. 

He said, “For every minute that passes, the chance of survival drops, and if they do survive, there’s less chance of a good neurologic outcome.” 

Moreover, “Outcomes are poor when the arrest is unwitnessed at home,” as he said Fox News Digital reported. 

“Just think, the person with the medical emergency could be your loved one in your house. You may have to provide life-saving treatment until first responders arrive,” he added. 

Train in life-saving measures – Experts 

According to Kman, the survey findings suggested that it is advisable for the public to get themselves trained in life-saving measures, majorly in hands-on CPR, choking, and serious bleeding. 

“Look for training that may be offered through community days at hospitals, schools, libraries, community organizations, religious institutions, volunteer groups, festivals and sporting events,” he urged. 

Moreover, as per the expert, organizations and websites such as the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and Stop The Bleed may be providing such essential courses free of cost or at a minimal cost. 

After learning the skills, it’s important to practice them, the doctor said. 

“We would love the public to learn how to do hands-only CPR and practice the skill of doing CPR every six weeks,” Kman added.