Hands-only CPR: Can you save a life?

Viral videos teaching hands-only CPR to next generation of lifesavers

Could you save a life?

When someone needs CPR, every second counts. Experts say receiving immediate CPR can double or even triple the odds of survival.

Fortunately, performing CPR is now easier than ever before, and the efforts to teach it are no longer confined to a classroom.

WATCH: CPR: When should one act?
WATCH: 
Farmington Hills community comes together for CPR training
WATCH:Student saves brother after learning CPR
WATCH: High schools teach life-saving lesson

Resources 

Support: Show your support for CPR in schools
Connect: Message your lawmaker
Learn: More info about Hand-Only CPR
Watch: Hands-Only CPR Demo

STORY: Survivors club shares lifesaving lessons

While CPR instructional videos used to feature instructors demonstrating mouth-to-mouth on a mannequin, the latest videos feature everything from beautiful women in tight T-shirts to lifesaving British thugs.

Detroit Medical Center emergency medicine chair Dr. Brian O'Neil says it's about reaching a new audience.

"We realize it's the younger people that are going to be doing CPR on their parents or the elderly, so, that's the group we need to reach," said O'Neil.

That means a new emphasis on viral videos and social media.

Video: How viral campaigns are teaching more people hands-only CPR

Video: How the PulsePoint app can help

"If we're going to reach that group, we have to get on their level and find out what they look at for their news, and how they get their information," said O'Neil.

O'Neil's personal favorite hands-only CPR video is from the British Heart Association and stars street thug "Vinnie Jones."

Many hospitals and groups have also made their own videos, including this phlebotomy class.  

Most feature the song "Stayin' Alive."  But not surprisingly, the University of Michigan chose a different tune for its version. 

Can these videos make a difference?

U of M emergency medicine chair Dr. Robert Neumar believes they can.

"We know that at least 250,000 people have seen that video," said Neumar.  "Even if just one in a thousand of those people end up doing CPR on someone, that is 250 people, lives that can be saved.  We are trying to be as creative as we can to get the message across that, 'Hey anybody in Michigan, anybody in the country can potentially save a life by performing bystander CPR.'"

And they'll share that message any way they can.

Confidence is Key

Local 4Caster Paul Gross knows CPR. He learned it as a cub scout.

When Gross was 14, he saw a man unconscious in a bowling alley, but lacked the assertiveness to provide medical attention.

READ: I watched a man die; why CPR is so important

Knowing CPR is just the first step, but having the confidence to use it in an emergency is key.

WATCH: Life saved by CPR at University of Michigan stadium

ClickOnDetroit.com WebChat

ClickOnDetroit.com hosted a webchat (view here) from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday with Dr. Robert Swor of Beaumont Royal Oak Emergency Medicine.

Videos

Watch: Local 4 morning team learns hands-only CPR live in studio

Watch: University of Michigan's Hands-Only CPR Demo

Watch: Vinnie Jones' Hands-Only CPR Demo

Watch: Ken Jeong's Hands-Only CPR Demo

Watch: Jennifer Coolidege Hands-Only CPR PSA

Watch: Learning Hands-Only CPR at the dinner table

Watch: RTC Phlebotomy Class's Hands-Only CPR Demo

Watch: Life saved by CPR at University of Michigan stadium