World Heart Day: every heartbeat counts, every action too

Every September 29th, World Heart Day reminds us of a crucial reality: in the event of cardiac arrest, every minute counts, with survival chances decreasing by 7 to 10% with each moment without intervention. In Canada, approximately 60,000 people suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year, but only one in ten survives. Thousands of lives could be saved if the right actions were known and applied quickly.

Recognizing the signs of a heart problem

The signs of a heart problem can manifest in several ways:

• chest pain or pressure,
• sudden shortness of breath,
• palpitations,
• fainting spells accompanied by cold sweats,
• nausea,
• extreme fatigue…

These symptoms can appear abruptly or gradually, but in all cases, every second counts.

The golden rule: call 911 immediately.

Life-saving actions

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): involves chest compressions to maintain blood circulation until emergency services arrive.

Defibrillator (AED): a true ally, it analyzes heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock if necessary to restore a normal rhythm. The device provides vocal guidance to the user, making it usable by anyone, even without medical training.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec, 4 out of 5 people could be saved if these actions were performed immediately. This highlights the importance of knowing what to do and acting fast!

Having a defibrillator readily available

Defibrillators are increasingly present in public places in Quebec: shopping centers, arenas, schools, community centers. The "DEA Québec" application geo-locates the closest ones among the 10,000 installed in Quebec.

But why limit ourselves to public places? Many families are now choosing to equip their homes with an automated external defibrillator. Whether at home, at the cottage, or even in your business, having an AED readily available makes a difference in an emergency.

At Cardio Choc, we offer all essential first aid equipment: defibrillators, kits, and other first aid supplies, to be equipped and able to react effectively in an emergency.

Getting trained

Training in life-saving actions should not be the sole preserve of healthcare professionals. Learning CPR and how to use a defibrillator with family or at work creates a true community safety network.

Where to get trained? Our partner Santinel offers a complete range of training adapted to all needs. Whether you are an individual wanting to protect your family, an employer wanting to secure your workplace, or simply a responsible citizen, you will find the training that suits you.

Santinel offers, among other things:

• CPR and AED Training: practical and accessible courses to master essential actions
• Workplace First Aid: certifying training meeting CNESST requirements for different types of businesses
• Specialized training according to activity sectors and specific risks

Let's remember that the more people are trained in an environment, the greater the chances of survival for everyone.

Every action counts, every second can save a life

World Heart Day reminds us each year: when facing cardiovascular emergencies, we all have a role to play. Whether through our daily lifestyle choices to preserve our heart health, or through our preparation to react effectively in an emergency, every action truly counts.

Your mission: take the time to train in life-saving actions and equip yourself. Check that your first aid kit is complete and up to date. And do not hesitate to raise awareness among those around you about the importance of these simple actions that can change everything.

Because ultimately, the question is not whether you will ever face a cardiac emergency, but rather to be prepared for when it happens. Your preparation today could well be the most precious gift you can give someone tomorrow.