We hope it’s a gift you never use! But, you never know when someone will need CPR
“When a person goes into cardiac arrest, the first few seconds and minutes are crucial to saving his or her life and to preventing irreversible damage,” said Dr. David Seaberg, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “If more people had CPR training, many more lives could be saved. It’s not difficult to learn, and it’s well worth the small amount of time it takes to learn.”
CPR pays off for kids
About two years ago, when Iles (school) head custodian Kevin Fishel transferred to Iles from Springfield High School, he was talking to school nurse Valerie Rogers about CPR training. Yes, Kevin said, he would be interested in taking a course.
“Because I’m in the cafeteria every day,” he said. “It went through my mind that someone might choke.”
So, Kevin was ready on Nov. 21 when a child came up to him, pointed toward Chloe and said, “She’s choking!”
Chloe’s just a little thing, and Kevin was worried he would hurt her if he squeezed too hard. So the first couple of times, he held back. No good — she was still choking. The third time, he put some muscle into it. That’s when a salad crouton popped out of Chloe’s mouth and she could breathe again.
“I thought I was gonna die,” Chloe said as she remembered her choking experience.
Her mother says it was pretty clear, “that had the events not taken place in the manner that they did, it is certain that Chloe may not have lived. … Although he would not admit it, Mr. Fishel is a hero and example of an exemplary District 186 employee.”
CPR works for adults too
On Nov. 8, Crisoforo Sandoval, an employee with Penn State Hospitality Services, went into cardiac arrest while transporting two guests from the University Park Airport to the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. The passengers were able to stop the car and called 911.
(Officer) Beckenbaugh was first on the scene. She noticed Sandoval was not responding, called for backup and immediately put her first aid skills into action. (Dept. Sherif) Smith arrived soon after and the two officers administered CPR using chest compressions and an automated external defibrillator. The quick response and proper care kept Sandoval, who at one point had no pulse, alive.
“The training is always in the back of your mind and ready to be used,” Beckenbaugh said. “It works. And to be able to see Chris stand here today, it’s definitely worth it.”
Can’t get to a course?
We have the trainers ready to come to you and arrange a course at your convenience. Just contact us and arrange one, it’s that simple. (Check out which areas we cover first!) Finally, of course, you could just pick it up from watching TV. But like the programme directors interviewed – we’d also encourage you to get some training and hands-on experience, whether it’s through us, your local Red Cross or somewhere else.
