Many people aren’t prepared to help during a medical emergency, survey shows

Would you be able to provide aid to someone in cardiac arrest? Results of a recent survey suggest that for about half of us, the answer is no.

Researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults on their ability to help during a medical emergency.

The breakdown: 56% could help someone who’s choking, 51% could perform hands-on CPR, and 49% said they could help stop serious bleeding. 

“Before emergency responders arrive, it’s up to us as the public to initiate care,” said Nicholas Kman, an emergency physician at the center and a clinical professor of emergency medicine at OSU. “For every minute that passes, the chance of survival drops, and if they do survive, there’s less chance of a good neurologic outcome.” 

An OSU press release notes that many organizations – the National Safety Council among them – and employers offer in-person and online training in bleeding control, hands-only CPR and first aid for choking.

“We’re responsible for each other,” Kman said. “When you’re trained in these lifesaving skills, you’ll know how to recognize the signs that someone needs help and buy time until the responders can get there.”