Man Shares Survival Stories Thanks to CPR

PUBLISHED 10:35 AM ET Jun. 14, 2020

LOUISVILLE, Ky - Jeff Backus received lifesaving CPR not once, but twice.

“I have survived two cardiac arrests outside the hospital. One was six years ago in Cherokee Park and one last May between Cherokee and Shawnee Park,” said Backus.

CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chance of survival after cardiac arrest.

“There’s no doubt,” said Backus. “I wouldn’t be here either case if someone wasn’t there to start immediate assistance.”

Backus himself is CPR certified. He took the time to share his story for people to be able to put this tool to use.

“The American Heart Association has videos online where you can learn how to do it. It is a real simple procedure,” said Backus. “You don’t have to worry about giving mouth to mouth. In most cases, you never have to use mouth to mouth.”

Backus says that with COVID-19 keeping more people at home. It is important households have someone who can help buy time for EMTs to arrive.

“People are by themselves or just with family or if something happens, they got to be the first responders to the situation.”

He says having the skill will help give you and your friends and family some peace of mind.

“Least you know you did all you could and most of the time you can do it long enough to get blood to flowing so by the time the EMTs come they can take over, said Backus.”