While there can be complications from CPR, such as broken ribs, studies indicate that even older patients benefit from bystander CPR in terms of long-term survival.

Dr. Anezi Uzendu of the American Heart Association stresses the importance of community education on recognizing and treating cardiac arrest quickly, as delayed interventions can be ineffective.

The findings highlight the necessity for accelerated CPR training initiatives and improved public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to enhance emergency response effectiveness.

Organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross provide CPR training, emphasizing the importance of public education on this life-saving skill.

Every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the U.S., with a survival rate of only about 9%, but immediate CPR can significantly double or even triple these chances.

Bystander CPR is crucial, as those who receive it within 10 minutes after cardiac arrest are 19% more likely to survive to discharge and 22% more likely to have favorable neurological outcomes compared to those who did not receive CPR.

The average response time for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is about 10 minutes, underscoring the urgency of initiating CPR before professional help arrives.

Dr. Evan O'Keefe, the lead researcher, emphasizes that every second counts in initiating CPR, as even a slight delay can greatly impact survival outcomes.

The study, led by Dr. O'Keefe from Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, analyzed nearly 200,000 cases of witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to assess the timing of bystander CPR and its effects.

Currently, bystander CPR is performed in only 35% to 40% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases globally, indicating a critical need for increased training and awareness.

Preliminary research set to be presented at the American Heart Association's Resuscitation Science Symposium highlights that starting CPR quickly after a cardiac arrest significantly improves survival and brain function.

Future research may explore technology, such as apps that alert nearby trained individuals, to reduce response times during cardiac emergencies.