by Patricia Billinger
In 2014, we’re celebrating 100 years of the Red Cross saving lives in Colorado.
I’ve talked to more than a dozen regular people who are just like any one else, but with one important difference: they have used their ordinary hands to save someone’s life. In general, they all say the same two things:
1. “I’m so glad I was trained.”
2. “When I took the training, I never thought I’d use it/I hoped I’d never have to use it.”
Well, they were trained, and they did use it, and they did save a life.
In most cases it was a loved one or co-worker, but in some cases it was a total stranger. The fact is, there is a good chance that you or someone you know will need emergency first aid, CPR or an AED. And there’s a very good chance that YOU will be the person who can make the difference between life and death.
So, if you do nothing else, take two minutes to watch the video above – it gives the basic, essential overview of what you can do to save the life of someone who has stopped breathing.
Then, consider these reasons why it’s worth finding a few hours to complete a training, either in person or via a blend of online and classroom training:
- Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in Americans.
- One in five Americans said they knew someone who had drowned, and 20 percent knew someone who nearly drowned. (See poll here)
- Permanent brain damage can occur in as little as 4 minutes without oxygen, and brain death is likely after 10 minutes.
- Someone’s chances of survival drop 10 percent for every minute they go without treatment.
Look, let me be straightforward: We want you to take the time to get fully trained in CPR and First Aid. Investing a few hours to get full, hands-on instruction in the correct techniques will make you more confident and better able to respond properly when an emergency does strike. Check out our full list of classes in your area at www.redcross.org/takeaclass.
But if you don’t find time to take the full training, please take two minutes to watch this video.
And then ask your coworkers and loved ones to watch it too – because you never know; it could be you whose life ends up being saved by someone who took a couple minutes to learn basic CPR.
And if your life was saved by CPR, or if you used your CPR or First Aid training to help someone in need, we want to hear and celebrate your story! Submit your lifesaving story at www.redcross.org/colorado-stories.