According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 350,000 cardiac arrhythmias happen in locations other than hospitals each year. Over 20% occur in public places. A person in cardiac arrest can have their survival rates doubled or tripled if they are given CPR immediately.

The American Heart Association launched a program to increase CPR knowledge in 2016. It received support from the Philanthropic Anthem Foundation.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 200 000 people have received Hands-Only CPR via kiosks.

“This novel approach has trained 200,000 additional people in CPR, which is a significant step toward our vision of a nation of life-savers,”John Meiners, chief executive of mission-aligned business and healthcare solutions at American Heart Association, says: “Nearly 90 percent of people who experience a cardiac arrest outside the hospital die, so we continually look for innovative ways to train the public in Hands-Only CPR in order to improve survival outcomes.”

Travelers with limited time can take a training session at the kiosk in five minutes. A touch screen displays a short instructional video on Hands-Only, followed by a practice session. The test is a 30-second long. A kiosk includes a mannequin, which allows users to perform chest compressions and gives feedback on the pressure and depth of the compressions.

“We are pleased to join the American Heart Association as part of this important and unique program that is working to increase the number of individuals who are trained and confident about performing CPR to benefit our communities and ultimately save lives,”Stephen Friedhoff, MD, chief clinician, Anthem, Inc.

Two simple steps are required to perform Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) when an adult or adolescent is in danger.

* Call 911.

* Start hard, fast compressions in the center of the victim’s chest until help arrives.

“Many Americans don’t perform CPR for a variety of reasons, such as lack of training or low confidence,”Manuel-Luis “Manny”Medina is a paramedic who is also an American Heart Association CPR instructor. She is also a professor in the Emergency Medical Services program at National University San Diego.

“Through the self-instruction available at these kiosks, the public can learn Hands-Only CPR and start to build confidence to perform this life-saving skill that may make the difference for someone they know or love.”

Visit this site to learn more about Hands-Only CPR and to be ready to save a life. heart.org/handsonlycprOr visit facebook.com/AHACPR.