Alexa, how do I save a life?
![Amazon Alexa on kitchen countertop](/-/media/Images/Affiliates/WSA/Volunteer-Newsletter-Articles/2017/Alexa.jpg?h=267&w=400&sc_lang=en)
The American Heart Association has collaborated with Amazon to provide basic CPR instruction and warning signs of a heart attack or stroke through Echo, the voice-activated device that connects to the internet via a virtual personal assistant named “Alexa.” Just ask, “Alexa, ask American Heart … what are the warning signs of a stroke?” or “Alexa, ask American Heart…what are the warning signs of a heart attack?” to receive your answer. Alexa can even guide you through the basic steps to perform Hands-Only CPR. Of course, this is not intended to be used in place of calling 9-1-1, the first step in the event of a cardiac emergency. But why not be prepared if you encounter one? Someone has a stroke in the United States every 40 seconds, on average. About 2,200 Americans die from cardiovascular diseases each day. Alexa can help.