World Resuscitation Day highlights importance of immediate CPR

In observance of World Resuscitation Day, health organizations across Europe are emphasizing the critical importance of immediate action during sudden cardiac arrest. Experts warn that every minute without intervention significantly reduces survival rates, as the brain can only survive three to five minutes without oxygen.

In Croatia, more than 9,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, with survival heavily dependent on bystanders. Similarly, in Slovenia, three to five people experience cardiac arrest daily. In Austria, approximately 10,000 emergencies occur annually outside hospitals, with only about one in ten survivors.

Medical professionals highlight key life-saving steps: checking the victim's condition, calling emergency services (such as 112), and performing chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. In Vorarlberg, Austria, the Red Cross noted that bystanders may hesitate more frequently when assisting women due to uncertainties regarding physical contact or clothing removal, a barrier to effective care.

To combat hesitation and lack of knowledge, various regional initiatives are providing workshops and interactive training. Organizations such as the Johanniter in Germany emphasize that the only mistake in first aid is doing nothing, noting that bystanders are legally protected when attempting to provide assistance.