Holiday CPR: Why Knowing CPR Can Save Lives This Festive Season

The holidays are a time for joy, gatherings, and celebration, but they can also bring unexpected emergencies. With families and friends coming together, there’s an increased risk of health incidents, such as choking, cardiac arrests, and other emergencies.

Even studies show that cardiac-related deaths increase by 4.65% during Christmas and New Year’s due to seasonal stress and delays in seeking care (holiday cardiac mortality study). So, as you’re planning your holiday festivities, learning CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and basic first aid can make the difference between the life and death of your loved ones. 

In this blog, we’ll explore where and why these emergencies tend to happen, the unique risks posed by the holidays, and how CPR training can empower you to act when it matters most.

Common Holiday Emergencies That Can Occur During the Festive Season

Some of the most common emergencies that can occur during this time include:

Cardiac Arrest

The combination of holiday stress, overindulgence, and physical exertion (like shoveling snow or participating in winter sports) increases the risk of cardiac arrest. This season can be mostly dangerous for those with pre-existing heart conditions. It is important to take care of yourself and be mindful of the warning signs to avoid putting your heart under too much stress.

Choking

Holiday meals bring a mix of delicious foods and lively conversations. It can also create a perfect storm for choking incidents, especially for young children and older adults. Choking is common during celebrations when people are distracted, laughing, or eating quickly.  It’s important to be careful and act fast if someone starts to choke. Without immediate action, it can be fatal within minutes.

Accident and Injuries

Accidents and injuries happen more often during the holiday season. Whether it’s slipping on icy sidewalks, burning yourself while cooking, or taking a tumble off a ladder while decorating, the chaos of the season can make it easy for mishaps to occur. With everything going on, it’s no surprise that accidents are more common this time of year.

Increased Risk Factors During the Holidays

Several factors contribute to the heightened risks during this time like:

1. Stress and overexertion from holiday activities can trigger heart problems.
2. Overindulgence in rich foods and alcohol can strain the heart and cause choking or digestive issues.
3. Winter weather conditions increase the risk of falls and injuries.
4. Hard-to-swallow foods during holiday meals can lead to choking hazards.
5. Increased traffic during the holidays also raises the risk of accidents and injuries.

When to Perform CPR During the Holidays

During the holidays, CPR should be performed as soon as possible when an emergency arises unexpectedly. CPR should be performed when:

• The person is unresponsive and not breathing or is only grasping for air.
• Cardiac arrest is suspected. Like if someone suddenly collapses, especially if they have a history of heart disease or show signs of a heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness), begin CPR immediately.
• If someone is unable to breathe and is clutching their throat, choking has happened. You need to perform the Heimlich maneuver or back blows for infants and be prepared to perform CPR if the person becomes unresponsive.

How to Perform CPR and First Aid in Holiday Settings

CPR and basic first aid skills can be incredibly valuable in any emergency situation, especially during the holidays. Here’s a basic guide for performing CPR and first aid in holiday settings: CPR and basic first aid 

For CPR:

1. Check Responsiveness: Tap the person and shout loudly to see if they respond. If they don’t call, call 911 immediately
2. Start Chest Compression: Kneel beside the person and place your hands, one on top of the other, in the center of the chest. Push down hard and fast, at least 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
3. Rescue breaths: It’s optional. If you are trained, give two rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions. You need to make sure that the person’s airway is open by tilting their head back and lifting their chin before giving each breath.
4. Continue CPR: Keep going until the person starts breathing or emergency help arrives at your location.

For First Aid:

• If someone is choking, encourage them to cough. If they can’t, perform the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind them and applying quick upward thrusts just above the navel.
• If someone gets a burn from cooking, fire, or candles, immediately cool the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes and cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage.
• For any bleeding wound, apply direct pressure to it using a clean cloth. 
• First aid during holidays can also include managing common injuries like cuts from holiday decorations, slips on icy paths, or sprains. Always keep a first aid kit handy at your holiday gathering. 

Holiday Safety Tips to Reduce the Need for CPR

While it’s great to know about CPR, prevention is always better. Here are some simple tips you can follow to keep your holiday safe:

• Cut foods into small pieces, especially for kids, and avoid giving hard-to-swallow items to the elderly.
• The holidays can get hectic, so try to keep your stress levels in check. Avoid overworking, especially if you have heart conditions. It’s important to rest and enjoy the season.
• Try to stay active safely. Whether you are decorating or shovelling snow, avoid overdoing physical activities. Take breaks and ask for help.
• Be mindful of alcohol intake. While toasting to the season is fun, excessive drinking can impair your judgment and increase the risk of accidents. It can also even lead to alcohol poisoning, so drink responsibly. 
• Indulging in holiday treats is fine, but overindulgence is not okay. So, balance it with nutritious, healthy food and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your heart healthy.
• If you are travelling, always keep your emergency kit in your car and plan ahead to avoid risky situations.

What to Do if You Witness a Medical Emergency During the Holidays

If you see someone with a problem during the holidays, stay calm and follow these steps:

• Assess the situation and make sure it’s safe for you to help.
• Call 911 immediately and explain the situation.
• Start CPR immediately. If the person isn’t breathing or has no pulse, begin chest compression. 
• Use an AED if available.

Remember to continue CPR and use an AED until professional help arrives. In the chaos, don’t hesitate to help. 

Conclusion

The holidays bring joy, happiness, and togetherness, but emergencies can strike when you least expect them. By learning CPR, taking preventive measures, and being prepared to respond in critical situations, you can ensure the safety of your loved ones and even assist strangers in need. 

At Heart Start CPR, we offer CPR and first aid classes to help make this holiday season not only festive but also safe for everyone. Whether you need BLS, ACLS, or PALS training, we provide flexible options, including online, blended, and in-person classes, even during the holidays. Enroll now or anytime during the season, and let us help you stay prepared to protect those who matter most.