Appreciating the Gift of Life - Taking CPR With Your Family

As a Registered Nurse, I have maintained current CPR certification, no questions asked, since graduation in 1983.

While working in a hospital or community agency, CPR was automatically included in orientation and annual, mandated competency - based training. As a Nursing Professor for a local university, I needed to find my own CPR training.

In May, 2011, I called my local Emergency Medical Services, as my CPR certification was due to expire. I learned that my county has a training building for paramedics, county employees and anyone who wishes to become certified (or re-certified) in Heartsaver CPR / AED (Adult, Child, & Infant) and First Aid.

I am ashamed to admit that I dreaded attending CPR class. This was probably my 15th training, conservatively speaking. The last few classes were quite hum drum, "the same old, same old".

Please do not misunderstand me. I love being a nurse and always have. And the thought of performing CPR on an unresponsive person is as automatic to me as a response to a fire drill or any other life emergency.

Even so, I was thoroughly underwhelmed at the thought of a 4-hour class on the same day that I was due to teach in the evening. I arrived at the EMS training building on a sunny May day, expecting my classmates to be paramedics. Instead, I trained with three fabulous county office staff, who were fulfilling their annual training requirements.

For the next several hours, we were thoroughly captivated by Debbi Julius (AHA BLS Instructor). She taught us with heart and soul.

Debbi taught a powerful and meaningful experiential course that provided my Heartsaver CPR AED Re - Certification for Adults.

Quickly discovering her passion and skill as an Instructor, Debbi also demonstrates a deep sense of community. She has taken on a personal mission to raise the awareness of our families, schools and church members in our area.

She recently volunteered to teach a 4-hour CPR class free of charge to eight members of a local school community. This group had saved a young boy from choking on a school bus ride. Debbi structured the class around what the group had done correctly and what they might do differently in the future.

We were reminded of the importance of never having children (anyone) eat while in a moving car or bus. In the above scenario, the little boy had choked on two marshmallows, a big culprit for choking. It was not immediately evident that there was a second marshmallow lodged in his throat.

In closing, Debbi shared the following nugget of wisdom that I had never considered:

** Think about your next Baby Shower present. Have you considered a gift certificate for CPR for the new parents (or mother)? What good is that pretty little outfit if you do not know how to save your choking baby?

I could think of little else on the ride home. I immediately discussed my brainstorm with my husband, who actually loved the idea!

In a few short days, my family was gathering for a Mass in honor of Mom's birthday. We were planning to have dinner at a local restaurant, where the kids could run free and easy and no one minded much.

At just the right moment, I shouted my intentions! Please understand that I had to, as it was quite loud in the restaurant! I truly believe my family was too shocked to say anything but "OK" when I announced that I would be treating everyone to a CPR training class as an early holiday gift!

After some calls and coordination, we agreed on the date of October 1st for the training.

Well, eight of us arrived, and I was so proud that we were remarkably, sorta on time. {OK, my brother got a little lost, even though he lives a few minutes from training, so no big shakes!}

I can read my family like a book, and I know some of them weren't too crazy about this idea at first. Yet, I could see everyone immediately warming up to Debbi's interactive and informative communication style.

Debbi gave us real life scenarios, especially with children and infants, just like the little ones in our family.

More nuggets of wisdom that Debbi shared with us:

• At holiday meals, have parents sit with their children. Often the "kid table" is in a different room. What if your child is choking? You do not see it; other kids may think the child is playing or not notice.
• If you are feeding you baby, pay attention. Parents can turn their backs to stir pots, cook and the child is choking (soundless).
• All of us tend to eat too fast. Remember to chew food thoroughly and encourage your children to do the same.
• Please do not eat in moving vehicles. Check and make sure this is not happening on your children's school buses. Spread the word!

My sister-in-law summed it up best when she said this training was well worth the time...!

I actively encourage you to gain certification in CPR. It will help prepare you for an emergency with a loved one at home or in the community. Remember that it is always important to phone the emergency response number (or 911) when an emergency arises. The operator can also be a good help in reminding you of what to do until medical personnel arrives.

You can contact the American Heart Association if you want more information on CPR, AEDs or First Aid. You can visit www.heart.org/cpr or call1-877-AHA-4CPR (877-242-4277) to find a class near you.

What a wonderful day of family, learning together and fun! I think Mom would have been proud seeing us all, a collective group of sore knees, backs and wrists with much compassion and love of life.

Thanks to Debbi for providing us with such awesome training in CPR! We are all most grateful.

Thanks to my ever supportive husband who prepared a delicious luncheon for us! It was wonderful that the kids could also join us after class.

Thanks, especially, to Teddy, for putting this smile on Aunt Baby's face! She loved visiting with her doggie cousin!

"The opportunity of life is very precious and it moves very quickly." (Ilyani Ywahoo)

© Maria Jordan (October, 2011)