By the Numbers: First Aid Matter – When Minutes Matter

  • A human heart can cease beating within 4 minutes after breathing stops.
  • Permanent brain damage can occur within 4 to 6 minutes after breathing stops.
  • Average ambulance response time is 8 to 12
  • More than 1/3 of Canadian deaths each year are attributed to coronary disease, which makes it the leading cause of death in Canada.
  • Each year, more than 350,000 people in the United States — one every 90 seconds — experience cardiac arrest. Those who receive CPR from a bystander are up to 3 Times more likely to survive than someone who doesn’t receive such assistance.
  • The survival rates of individuals suffering cardiac arrest decrease by approximately 7 – 10% every minute that defibrillation is delayed.
  • The use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can save the lives of 30% or more of those who suffer cardiac arrest.
  • When defibrillation is delayed, survival rates decrease to approximately 50% at 5 The earlier defibrillation occurs, the better the prognosis.
  • Research shows that people who have first aid training can reduce their own personal injuries by as much as 30%.