As the holiday season approaches, we prepare for joyful gatherings with family and friends, festive meals, and celebrations. However, this time of year also comes with an alarming statistic: sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) events increase during the holidays, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Understanding this reality and being prepared to act can make all the difference—perhaps even saving the life of a family member or friend.
A Spike in Cardiac Arrests During the Holidays
Research has shown that cardiac emergencies spike during the holiday season. According to a study published in the journal Circulation, the number of cardiac deaths is higher on Christmas Day, the day after Christmas, and New Year’s Day than on any other days of the year. Data gathered over 30 years revealed that these three days consistently see a 5% increase in cardiac-related fatalities compared to the rest of the year.
One of the most common causes of these fatalities is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a condition where the heart abruptly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Without immediate intervention, death can occur within minutes. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that about 350,000 out-of-hospital SCAs occur annually in the U.S., with a survival rate of less than 10% without proper intervention.
Why the Holiday Season?
There are a few contributing factors that make the holiday season particularly dangerous when it comes to heart health.
- Increased Stress: The holidays, while joyous, can be stressful. Financial pressures, travel, and managing expectations from family gatherings can increase stress levels, which in turn can trigger heart problems.
- Overindulgence: With rich meals, alcohol consumption, and a tendency to overeat, many people put additional strain on their cardiovascular system. Increased sodium, fat, and alcohol intake can elevate blood pressure and contribute to heart conditions.
- Disrupted Routines: Many people skip medications, delay regular exercise, and forget to maintain their usual heart-healthy routines during the holidays, leaving them more vulnerable.
- Weather: Cold weather has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, as it can constrict blood vessels and force the heart to work harder. Combine this with the seasonal lifestyle changes, and the risk of SCA increases even more.
Immediate Action Saves Lives
When someone suffers from sudden cardiac arrest, time is of the essence. For every minute that passes without CPR or the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), the chances of survival decrease by 7-10%. Quick action by bystanders can double or even triple survival rates, yet less than half of SCA victims receive the immediate help they need before emergency responders arrive. This is where CPR and AED training becomes critical.
Being prepared with CPR and AED training is even more important during the holidays because the life you save could be someone you love.
Consider this scenario: you’re enjoying a holiday dinner with family when someone collapses unexpectedly. Would you know what to do? If you’ve received CPR and AED training, you can remain calm, call 911, begin chest compressions, and use an AED if available. These actions could keep your loved one alive until professional help arrives.
The Role of AEDs: Why Every Family Should Have One
In addition to knowing CPR, having access to an AED can significantly increase the likelihood of survival. AEDs are easy-to-use devices that can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm, and they are designed for use by laypeople. Modern AEDs, such as the Zoll AED3, Zoll AED Plus, and Lifepak CR2, provide clear instructions to guide users step-by-step through the resuscitation process, making them indispensable tools during an emergency.
At Emergency and Safety Trainers, LLC, we specialize in providing CPR and First Aid training and AED sales to businesses, individuals, and families. As we approach the holiday season, we encourage everyone to consider this investment in their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
Why You Should Act Now
The holidays should be a time for celebration, but they also present unique risks. By getting trained in CPR and First Aid, you are preparing yourself for the unthinkable—and possibly saving a life.
- CPR Training: Quick, hands-on training can make you ready to provide life-saving chest compressions until professional help arrives.
- AED Access: Having an AED readily available at home, in the workplace, or at social gatherings dramatically increases the chance of survival in the event of SCA.
At Emergency and Safety Trainers, LLC, we’re committed to providing the highest quality CPR and AED training and AED sales to business and individuals. If you haven’t yet been trained, now is the time to take that step. The life you save could very well be a loved one’s.
Contact us today at 314-596-2497 to schedule your training or to learn more about our AED products, including the Zoll AED3, Zoll AED Plus, and Lifepak CR2 models. Let’s make this holiday season safer together.