CPR training essential to saving lives in a crisis

CPR training essential to saving lives in a crisis

It’s a situation none of us want to be in — someone goes into cardiac arrest and it’s up to you to save their life. It can be intimidating to many, but the American Red Cross claims it’s a skill everyday people can and should learn.

In those terrifying moments when you or someone you love needs medical attention, what would you do? “Every second matters when it comes to saving a life. especially when it comes to sudden cardiac arrest,” explained Paige Katrinchak, the Regional Communications Manager of the Red Cross of TN.

That’s part of the lesson from the American Red Cross, now more than ever.

“Seventy-percent of cardiac arrests happen in the home,” said Katrinchak. “So as people are gathering around the holidays or anytime that you’re together, you could be saving the life of a family member or friend just by knowing CPR.”

It’s a lesson Lisa Williams learned. Williams took the Red Cross’ CPR training course and while at work one day, she used her training to save her coworker’s life. “Anyone who takes these American Red Cross courses, anyone who saves a life, you are a hero,” said Katrinchak. “But of course, Lisa is just a very humble person, she was just doing what she thought was best, which is what we can hope for in any situation.”

Williams was honored for her heroic actions and given the Certificate of Merit and Good Samaratin Award from the American Red Cross. It’s the highest award given by the organization. “If someone is choking, so you learn abdominal thrusts, you learn first aid skills, you also learn how to do a tourniquet and stop severe bleeding. you learn how to use an AED as well as CPR, you are just getting an overall course of if you are put into an emergency,” said Katrinchak.

It’s a skill we hope to never use, but when it’s a matter of life and death, we know exactly what to do.