To commemorate World Restart a Heart Day (October 16th), the American Red Cross joins organizations across the globe to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of learning CPR.

Each year, more than 350,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the U.S. and about 90% of them die. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating normally because of abnormal electrical activity. Every second counts, so it’s important for people to be trained in knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED. Immediate CPR delivered by a bystander can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. More than 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home.

The Red Cross encourages everyone to enroll in a CPR and AED course so they can learn how to help someone who goes into cardiac arrest. Below, Red Cross Training Services Field Operation Manager Al Clinton demonstrates what students learn in a CPR class. Get started by signing up for a class today.