What is an AED? And why is CPR important?

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-With the frightening situation still unfolding with Damar Hamlin, doctors want you to know the importance of understanding how to do CPR. 

CPR is chest compressions which you do when someone goes into cardiac arrest, meaning there is no pulse or no breathing. 

Early CPR helps move the blood and oxygen through the body. 

The American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and other agencies offer CPR training. If you try to save someone’s life, you’re always protected under the Good Samaritan Law. It could be the difference between life and death.

“Good, effective, CPR is the key to restarting the heart. Along with defibrillation,” said Med Center Health EMT Field Supervisor Stephen Parrott. 

In some cases including Damar Hamlin’s incident on the field, an AED is used. AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. They should be accessible to the public…schools, malls and churches have them.