World Heart Day: every beat counts, every gesture too

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

Know the signs of a heart problem

Signs of a heart problem can manifest themselves in several ways:

• pain or pressure in the chest,
• sudden shortness of breath,
• palpitations,
• malaise accompanied by cold sweats,
• nausea,
• extreme fatigue…

These symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually, but either way, every second counts.

The golden rule: call 112 immediately.

Life-saving gestures

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation): this involves compressing the chest to maintain blood circulation until help arrives.

The defibrillator (AED): a true ally, it analyzes the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electric shock if necessary to restore a normal rhythm. The device guides the user by voice, enabling anyone to use it, even without medical training.

According to the Quebec Heart and Stroke Foundation, 4 out of 5 people could be saved if these actions were taken immediately. That’s how important it is to know what to do and to act quickly!

Having a defibrillator close at hand

Defibrillators are becoming increasingly common in Quebec’s public places: shopping malls, arenas, schools and community centers. The “AED Quebec” application geolocates the nearest of the 10,000 installed in Quebec.

But why limit ourselves to public places? Today, many families choose to equip their homes with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Whether at home, at the cottage, or even in your business, having an AED close at hand makes all the difference in an emergency.

At Cardio Choc we offer all the essential first-aid equipment: defibrillators, kits and other first-aid equipment, so you can be equipped to react effectively in an emergency.

Training

Training in lifesaving techniques should not be the exclusive preserve of healthcare professionals. Learning CPR and defibrillator use in the family or at work creates a genuine community safety network.

Where to train? Our partner Santinel offers a comprehensive range of training courses to suit every need. Whether you’re an individual looking to protect your family, an employer wanting to make your workplace safer, or simply a responsible citizen, you’ll find the training that’s right for you.

Santinel offers

• CPR and AED training practical, accessible courses to master essential actions
• First aid in the workplace CNESST-certified training courses for different types of companies
• Specialized training for specific sectors and risks

Let’s remember that the more trained people there are in an environment, the greater the chances of survival for all.

Every gesture counts, every second can save

World Heart Day reminds us every year that, in the face of cardiovascular emergencies, we all have a role to play. Whether through our daily lifestyle choices to preserve our heart health, or through our preparedness to react effectively in the event of an emergency, every gesture really does count.

Your mission: take the time to learn life-saving techniques and equip yourself. Make sure your first-aid kit is complete and up to date. And don’t hesitate to make those around you aware of the importance of these simple gestures that can change everything.

Because in the end, it’s not a question of whether you’ll ever face a cardiac emergency, it’s a question of being ready the day it happens. Your preparation today could well be the most precious gift you give someone tomorrow.