8News gets life-saving tips for National CPR and AED Awareness Week

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- National CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week, which runs from June 1 to June 7 this year, spotlights how you can save a life.

On Thursday, 8News Anchors Delaney Hall and Autumn Childress got a visit from Lieutenant Brittany Buckler-Hoffmaster and Richmond Ambulance Authority, and Michelle Nostheide of Executive Director of the American Heart Association, who shared their insights into the week and how you can save someone's life.

The week aims to increase awareness and encourage people to learn CPR and how to use an AED.

Should you or someone you recognize be in distress and not breathing, Lieutenant Buckler-Hoffmaster has tips for giving CPR. But first, she says, call 9-1-1.

The lieutenant said you must place the heel of your hand on their breastbone and press down hard and fast. She recommendeds that you have about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

"[The 9-1-1 dispatcher on the phone] can kind of help coach you through that process to make sure that you're able to kind of keep up that rate, keep the blood flowing until first responders can get there," she said.

According to the American Heart Association, there are multiple songs to listen to while giving CPR, including "Stayin' Alive" by The Bee Gees and "Baby Shark."

"70% of cardiac arrests happen in the home, so it's likely that you'll be working on someone that you love. So be sure everyone knows," Nostheide said. "We know CPR can double or triple the chance of surviving."