In honor of National CPR Week in June, the American Heart Association is challenging Americans to learn Hands-Only CPR. They’re providing a one-minute video at heat.org/cpr that will hopefully inspire us all to feel capable of helping a cardiac victim.

Furthermore, the challenge continues by asking that, once learned, you teach 5 people the same knowledge. Statistically, about 70% of the United States population doesn’t feel confident offering CPR help. And the worst part is that 88 % of cardiac arrests happen at home.

The great thing about this challenge is that in one minute, 60 seconds, you will be ready to provide life-saving emergency help. The Hands-Only CPR uses chest compressions only, no mouth-to-mouth.

According to the AHA, “A study published in the March 8 issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes showed that people who view a CPR instructional video are significantly more likely to attempt life-saving resuscitation.”

The American Heart Association endorses a Hands-Only CPR method for teens and adults who collapse anywhere outside of a hospital.

The AHA determined that by eliminating mouth-to-mouth, more bystanders might actively engage in CPR. The Hands-Only CPR technique is so simple, nearly anyone can do it.

There are two steps; first, call 9-1-1, or have someone else call, and remember to stay on the line with the operator until help arrives.

The second step; administer hard and fast pumps in the center of the chest. The AHA is looking for 100-120 pushes per minute, at a depth of about 2 inches.

Keep this routine up until help arrives, and, if you must stop, make sure to have someone take over for you.

About half a million people experience cardiac arrest each year, but less than 15% survive, according to MedPageToday. If these sad statistics don’t motivate, consider that one of the victims could be you. Get CPR certified today.

For those who haven’t had to get or renew their CPR certification for awhile, you might be surprised to know that In 2010, the American Heart Association updated the CPR guidelines.

We once memorized Airway, Breathing and Compressions to administer CPR, but like most everything, advances give us reason to improve our methods.

We’re now learning, Compressions, Airway and Breathing; same words, different order.  This new order allows CPR to begin immediately, keeping the blood pumping to the brain and providing a better chance of survival.

Additionally, AHA has eliminated the Listen and Feel sequence, and replaced it with Look only. The rate of compression is now 100 beats per minute, and at least two inches deep.

With these new guidelines, the AHA hopes to encourage bystanders to take action faster.