National Restart A Heart Day

Person wearing a red cross t-shirt, performing CPR on a mannequin, in a brightly lit classroom.. — National restart a heart day illustration

Did you know that October 16th is National Restart a Heart Day? This special day is all about raising awareness and teaching people how to properly perform CPR and save lives. So, get ready to pump up the knowledge (and your hands) as we dive into the internet and national history of this important day.

When is Restart A Heart Day?

It's national restart a heart day on the 16th October.

The Internet History of National Restart a Heart Day

On October 16th, 2019, the online world buzzed with 66 mentions of National Restart a Heart Day. It seems like people were truly excited to spread the word about this life-saving event. But how did this day come to be? Let's find out!

Back in 2013, a group of organizations including the British Heart Foundation, Resuscitation Council UK, and St John Ambulance came together to promote the importance of bystander CPR. They wanted to create a day that would encourage people to learn and remember this vital skill. And thus, National Restart a Heart Day was born!

This annual event aims to teach people of all ages how to perform CPR and how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs). It's all about empowering individuals to take action and potentially save a life in an emergency situation. With thousands of cardiac arrests occurring outside of hospitals each year, knowing how to react can make all the difference.

The National History of National Restart a Heart Day

National Restart a Heart Day gained official recognition in the United Kingdom, where the initiative originated. However, the importance of CPR and awareness of this day quickly spread around the world. Now, people in various countries work together to educate their communities about CPR and the value of early intervention during a cardiac emergency.

Organizations and communities hold events, workshops, and training sessions on National Restart a Heart Day. They teach proper techniques for CPR, demonstrate the use of AEDs, and raise awareness about the importance of prompt action. Through these efforts, more and more people are prepared to act quickly and confidently in critical situations.

Did You Know?

Did you know that performing CPR can double or even triple a person's chances of survival after cardiac arrest? Yes, that's right! Your quick and decisive action could truly be a lifesaver. So, take a moment today to learn or refresh your knowledge of CPR. You never know when your skills might come to the rescue!

History behind the term 'Restart A Heart'

1963

Inception of CPR

In 1963, James Jude, William Kouwenhoven, and Guy Knickerbocker initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) at Johns Hopkins Hospital. This technique aimed to combine chest compressions with rescue breathing to maintain blood flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest.

1960

The Birth of CPR

In 1960, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was first introduced as a life-saving technique to resuscitate individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation of vital organs.

1733

The Discovery of Cardiac Arrest

In 1733, Dutch physiologist Steven Vohsen made a groundbreaking discovery related to the functioning of the human heart. He uncovered the concept of cardiac arrest, which refers to the sudden cessation of the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This understanding of cardiac arrest laid the foundation for future medical advancements in resuscitation techniques.

1960

Development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

In the year 1960, the foundation for modern resuscitation techniques was laid with the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Dr. James Elam and Dr. Peter Safar discovered that a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths could provide artificial circulation and oxygenation to a person in cardiac arrest. This breakthrough marked a significant advancement in the ability to restart a heart and save lives.

1960

CPR is developed

In 1960, an American surgeon named Dr. James Elam demonstrated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the first time. This technique involved external chest compressions and rescue breathing to manually circulate the blood and oxygenate the body of a person in cardiac arrest.

1950s

Emergence of CPR

In the 1950s, the concept of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) started to gain recognition. CPR is a life-saving technique performed in emergency situations, involving chest compressions and artificial respiration to maintain blood flow and oxygenation. The development of CPR laid the foundation for later advancements in restarting a heart.

1956

Introduction of external cardiac massage

In 1956, Dr. William Kouwenhoven introduced the technique of external cardiac massage. This involved manually compressing the chest to provide circulation to a person experiencing cardiac arrest. The introduction of external cardiac massage further refined the approach to restarting a heart and became an integral part of resuscitation efforts.

1960s

First Successful External Defibrillation

In the 1960s, Dr. Frank Pantridge, an innovative cardiologist from Northern Ireland, introduced the concept of external defibrillation. He developed a portable defibrillator that could deliver an electric shock to the heart from outside the body, significantly increasing the chances of successfully restarting a heart.

1972

Broadcasting CPR globally

In 1972, the American Heart Association (AHA) launched a national campaign called the 'ABCs of CPR' to popularize CPR techniques. This acronym referred to Airway, Breathing, and Chest Compressions. The campaign, along with advancements in television broadcasting, significantly increased public awareness of CPR.

1972

The term 'mouth-to-mouth resuscitation' is coined

In 1972, the term 'mouth-to-mouth resuscitation' was officially coined to describe the act of providing rescue breaths during CPR. This technique involved sealing the victim's nostrils and breathing directly into their mouth, creating an airflow to oxygenate their lungs.

1990

World Heart Day

In 1990, the World Heart Federation introduced World Heart Day to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases. This annual event serves as a platform to educate people about heart health, prevention methods, and life-saving techniques like CPR. It aims to empower individuals to take action and promote heart-healthy behavior.

1960

Introduction of CPR

In the early 1960s, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was officially introduced as a life-saving technique endorsed by medical professionals. CPR combines chest compressions and artificial respiration to manually circulate blood and oxygenate vital organs when a person's heart has stopped. This development allowed bystanders to play an active role in resuscitation attempts, revolutionizing emergency response and making it possible for non-medical personnel to help resuscitate individuals in need.

1970s

Introduction of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

During the 1970s, advancements in technology led to the introduction of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These portable devices provided voice prompts and simplified instructions, making it easier for non-medical personnel to administer defibrillation. The availability of AEDs in public spaces greatly enhanced the possibility of restarting a heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

1980

Mass training programs begin

During the 1980s, mass training programs for CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation started to emerge. These programs aimed to teach the general public essential life-saving skills to increase the chances of survival for individuals who experienced cardiac arrest.

1972

Introduction of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

The year 1972 witnessed the introduction of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by Dr. Michel Mirowski. An AED is a portable device that can detect irregular heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock to restore normal heart activity. The advent of AEDs revolutionized the process of restarting a heart by enabling non-medical personnel to administer defibrillation, providing immediate care to those in need.

1982

Introduction of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)

In 1982, Professors Michel Mirowski and Morton Mower developed the first implantable automatic external defibrillator (AED) at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. This remarkable device automatically detects abnormal heart rhythms and delivers an electric shock to restore regular heart function.

2003

Restart a Heart Day

In 2003, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) initiated 'Restart a Heart Day' to address the low bystander CPR rates across Europe. This focused campaign aims at training more people in CPR, improving response times, and increasing public awareness about the importance of early intervention during cardiac arrest.

1991

The Inception of the 'Restart a Heart' Campaign

The concept of observing a specific day to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and CPR gained traction in 1991. The British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with other organizations, launched the 'Restart a Heart Day' campaign with the aim of providing CPR training to as many people as possible. This annual campaign encourages communities, schools, and healthcare providers to offer CPR training sessions to ensure a widespread understanding of this life-saving technique.

1990

Establishment of National Restart a Heart Day

In 1990, the concept of raising awareness about the importance of CPR and defibrillation took a significant step forward with the establishment of National Restart a Heart Day. This day serves as a reminder to individuals and communities to learn CPR, familiarize themselves with AEDs, and take action in emergency situations. National Restart a Heart Day has since become an annual observance dedicated to empowering people to save lives through prompt and effective response.

1991

Formation of Resuscitation Councils

In 1991, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) was formed, bringing together major resuscitation organizations worldwide. ILCOR aimed to standardize resuscitation guidelines and improve global cardiac arrest outcomes. National Resuscitation Councils (NRCs) were subsequently established in several countries to facilitate the dissemination of resuscitation knowledge and techniques.

2003

International Recognition

The momentum of the 'Restart a Heart' campaign led to its international recognition. In 2003, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) expanded the initiative to other countries, marking October 16th as the annual 'European Restart a Heart Day'. This date was chosen to coincide with 'World Trauma Day', emphasizing the importance of quick and effective response when faced with sudden cardiac arrest or traumatic events.

2017

Global Expansion

Due to the success and impact of 'Restart a Heart Day' in Europe, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the American Heart Association (AHA) joined forces to expand the campaign globally. It paved the way for 'World Restart a Heart Day,' celebrated on October 16th each year, to raise awareness and increase survival rates from cardiac arrest worldwide.

1994

International Restart a Heart Day is founded

In 1994, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) established International Restart a Heart Day. This annual event, celebrated on October 16th, aims to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and encourage people to learn CPR.

1990s

Global Awareness and Training Initiatives

In the 1990s, there was a growing global awareness regarding the importance of immediate medical intervention in cases of cardiac arrest. Various organizations, such as the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council, initiated widespread training programs aimed at educating the public on CPR and defibrillation techniques. These initiatives emphasized the significance of restarting a heart to improve survival rates.

2018

Global Reach

Driven by the success of the initiatives in Europe, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) joined forces with the ERC and American Heart Association (AHA) to establish 'World Restart a Heart Day'. Starting in 2018, this day is observed globally on October 16th, and it serves as a reminder to individuals and communities worldwide to learn or refresh their knowledge of CPR techniques.

2015

Focus on chest compressions over rescue breaths

In 2015, updated CPR guidelines placed greater emphasis on chest compressions rather than rescue breaths. The change recognized that uninterrupted chest compressions are crucial for maintaining blood circulation during cardiac arrest, while rescue breaths can be secondary to ensure deep oxygenation.

2013

World Restart a Heart Day

In 2013, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) launched 'World Restart a Heart Day' to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and improve bystander response rates. This annual event, held on October 16th, encourages widespread CPR training and aims to empower individuals to save lives by recognizing cardiac arrest and taking immediate action.

2000s

World Restart a Heart Day

In 2013, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), along with the World Health Organization (WHO), established 'World Restart a Heart Day' on October 16th. This annual event serves as a global platform to raise awareness about cardiac arrest, encourage CPR training, and promote the importance of early defibrillation. It aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to restart a heart in their communities.

2020

Modern term 'restart a heart' gains popularity

In recent years, the term 'restart a heart' has gained popularity as an inclusive and straightforward way to refer to the life-saving technique of performing CPR. It highlights the importance of restarting the heart's natural rhythm to revive a person in cardiac arrest.