By Solara J.
CHD (congenital heart defect), survivor
It's fun to spend time at the pool or beach when it's hot
outside. But it's good to be safe around water and know
what to do in an emergency. That's why your whole family
should learn CPR.
CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure that is done
when someone's heart stops beating. Studies show that
doing CPR right away can more than double someone's
chance of survival. There is hands-only CPR or regular
CPR, which uses rescue breaths and compressions – that's
best when someone is drowning.
You don't have to be a grown-up to learn CPR. The
American Heart Association has a CPR in Schools program.
Thanks to the American Heart Association, 40 states and
Washington, D.C., have passed laws that will make sure all
students are trained in life-saving CPR before they graduate
from high school. In addition to the current CPR in Schools
efforts, the American Heart Association also has a Kids
Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge in schools
to put even more lifesavers on the streets.
The American Heart Association has other tips to stay
safe around water – wear a life jacket, put a fence around
your pool, and learn how to swim. For information on CPR
classes near you, ask your adult to visit www.cpr.heart.org.
Summer Safety Plan:
Learn
CPR
Solara J., 11, is a student at Rogers
Public Schools. She was diagnosed with
the congenital heart defect at age 5 and
had open-heart surgery when she was 6.
A
heart
for
golf
She
survived
heart
surgery
and found
a new
sport
to love
30 • AUGUST 2023 • www.Of f icialKidsMag.com
