Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Cardiac arrest is a serious public health concern. Each year, more than 45,000 Canadians have a cardiac arrest. That is one cardiac arrest every 12 minutes. More than 90% of these patients die. This number has not changed in the last 30 years. Paramedics are often called to try and restart someone's heart, but they do not always arrive in time. Bystanders who watch the event play a huge role in survival. Their actions are critical and time dependent. A bystander can do three things to improve survival: Call 911, start chest compressions and apply a defibrillator. This can increase survival 800%. But 70% of Canadians will not help save someone's life. People say they are not confident. They would want to wait until trained help arrives. They would panic. They are scared of catching a disease. They feel they would not be able to help the patient. This cafe will focus on identifying fears and promoting that bystanders should not worry. We will raise awareness about bystander's actions. And will demonstrate simple chest compressions. Participants will also be able to practice these skills on a mannequin.