Learn Hands-Only CPR and Help Make a Difference!

The Irving Fire Department is providing Hands-Only CPR demonstrations to the community. If you would like to schedule a demonstration for your organization, sign-up on ifdsafety.com, make sure to choose Hands-Only CPR under requested topic. *Note, this program is to teach the skill of Hands-Only CPR and is not a certification program. If you need certification, please go to the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org to find a course near you.

According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital, but statistics prove that if more people knew Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), more lives could be saved. That is why it is important for everyone to know what CPR is.

The use of CPR dates all the way back to 1740, yet even today, most Americans don’t know how to perform it. Given properly and immediately to sudden cardiac arrest victims CPR can save lives. The purpose of CPR is to keep the heart pumping and provide a continuous flow of oxygen to the lungs and brain until emergency care arrives.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when there is an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Breathing will also cease as well, although it may not stop completely for several minutes. Without a supply of oxygen, the cells in the body start to die. Brain cells are incredibly sensitive; after about 4 to 5 minutes with no oxygen, brain cells will begin dying, leading to brain damage and death.

Contact Us

  1. Irving Fire Department Administration
    845 W Irving Boulevard
    Irving, TX 75060
    Phone: (972) 721-2651
    Fax: (972) 721-2795
    After Hours: (972) 721-2308
    Emergency: 911
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CPR Training

Make a Difference

According to the American Heart Association, 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home. Do you know what to do if a family member or friend suddenly goes into cardiac arrest and collapses?

Hands-Only CPR, performed by a bystander on teens and adults, has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR for cardiac arrests that occur at home, work or in public. There are only two steps to remember when performing Hands-Only CPR:

  1. Call 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse.
  2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100 to 120 beats per minute.

Why Learn Hands-Only CPR?

Cardiac arrests are more common than you think.

  • More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S.
  • Immediate CPR can double, or even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.
  • About 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die.
  • Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.