MEYERTON. – In a significant demonstration of community health awareness, paramedics from CERT SA, ER24, and Gauteng Emergency Medical Services came together on World Restart a Heart Day to educate the public on the critical lifesaving technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The event, held at the Global Fitness Gym on October 16, drew several attendees eager to learn how they can make a difference in emergency situations including MMC’s from the Midvaal Local Municipality.

World Restart a Heart Day is an international initiative aimed at increasing awareness of cardiac arrest and promoting the importance of CPR.

This year’s focus was on equipping ordinary citizens with the skills necessary to act quickly in emergencies, where every second counts.

Cecil Parsons, operational manager of CERT SA in the Vaal, emphasised the importance of community preparedness.

“A lot of the times when people end up in emergency situations they throw their hands up and say ‘I don’t know what to do’, but something as simple as chest compressions can save lives in emergency situations,” says Parsons.

Participants were engaged in hands-on demonstrations, learning the mechanics of chest compressions and the rhythm necessary for effective CPR.

Medics highlighted that the technique is straightforward yet vital, making it accessible to all.

How to perform CPR:

For those unable to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, chest compressions alone can be highly effective.

Here’s a simple guide:

*Check the scene: Ensure the area is safe before approaching the victim.

*Assess the patient: Tap the person and shout to see if they respond. If unresponsive, call emergency services immediately or ask someone else to do so.

*Position the patient: Carefully roll the person onto their back on a firm, flat surface.

Chest Compressions:

*Kneel beside the person and place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest, between the nipples. *Place your other hand on top of the first and interlock your fingers.

*With your arms straight, use your body weight to compress the chest downwards by about two inches (5cm) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

*Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

*Continue: Keep performing compressions until emergency help arrives or the person shows signs of recovery, such as breathing.

Parsons says that mouth-to-mouth CPR is not necessary for bystander intervention.

While chest compressions and rescue breaths combined can provide the highest level of success in some situations, compression-only CPR is an effective, safe way to help a cardiac arrest victim.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a Public Beneficiary Organization that provides a life saving Emergency Medical and Rescue services to any person.

The CERT team can be contacted on 087 095 3556 in case of emergencies.