top of page
Writer's pictureGAIL GOULD

Heartbeats & Heroics: A CPR Survival Story During National Heart Month


National Heart Month - February 2024
A jogger's life saved by CPR on Houston's streets underscores the urgency of CPR skills. Learn, act, save lives. #CPRSaves #HeartMonth

Today, I want to share a story that's close to my heart - quite literally. It's a story about survival, hope, and the incredible impact of CPR.


Two years ago, on a crisp morning around 6:30 a.m., a man was jogging along Kirkwood in Houston. In a twist of fate, he collapsed. A nurse, driving by, witnessed this and, without a moment's hesitation, jumped into action and administered CPR right there on the street. When EMS arrived, they had to shock the man's heart to bring him back. He spent 10 days in a coma, but eventually pulled through and survived against all odds. Now, with an implantable defibrillator keeping his heart steady, he lives to tell his tale. It’s safe to say he wouldn’t be here today without the power of performing timely CPR.


This February, as we observe National American Heart Month, I'm reminded of the vital importance of heart health and the crucial role of CPR. For 35 years, I've proudly served as a professional CPR instructor and volunteer with the American Heart Association. In this journey, I've learned some hard truths:


  1. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2021, it claimed about 700,000 lives in the U.S. alone, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths.

  2. There are many risk factors for heart disease, ranging from tobacco use and high blood pressure to physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes, and chronic stress.

  3. Heart disease symptoms can vary in men and women. Women often experience subtler symptoms, which can be easily mistaken for less serious conditions.

  4. Tragically, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women. Even though heart attacks may be more prominent in men, they are often more fatal in women.

  5. Heart attacks can strike at any age, though they're more common at 64 for men and 70 for women.


It's crucial to understand that heart attacks and cardiac arrests are not the same. While a heart attack victim needs medical attention within the 'Golden Hour', a cardiac arrest victim requires immediate CPR and AED intervention, regardless of age.


Sadly, less than half of Americans know how to perform CPR. 


Reasons for this vary, from fear of legal action to concerns about the complexity of CPR. Yet, with 350,000 Americans dying from sudden cardiac arrest annually, the need for widespread CPR knowledge is more urgent than ever. The good news is that for teens and adults, Hands-Only CPR, which involves chest compressions without rescue breaths, is a simple yet effective technique.


I encourage you, in the spirit of American Heart Month, to take a moment and consider learning CPR. It's not just a skill; it's a potential lifeline for someone in need.  

19 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

コメント


Ready to Learn Lifesaving Skills?

CONTACT GAIL & INQUIRY NOW

Gail helps individuals and businesses get the required training and certification necessary to stay in compliance with internal, local, state, and federal programs. My commitment goes beyond traditional training. I focus on real-life applications, ensuring you leave my courses feeling prepared and empowered.

STAY INFORMED WITH THE LATEST IN CPR, SAFETY, AND FIRST AID TIPS

CPR and Safety Lady - CPR Training Houston.jpg

Stay in the Know

JOIN MY MAILING LIST

Gain exclusive access to a constantly expanding online library filled with expert resources and the latest in CPR and safety training. Sign up now and empower yourself with invaluable skills and insights!

Thanks for submitting!

Explore My Training Courses

CPR TRAINING • AED INSTRUCTION • FIRST AID CERTIFICATION

Choose from a variety of essential training programs designed to equip you and your team with the necessary skills to respond confidently in emergencies. From basic CPR techniques to advanced first aid, our courses are tailored to suit beginners and experienced learners alike.

CPR & AED Training

ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SKILLS

Duration: 2-2.5 Hours

Learn to act quickly and confidently in emergencies with our CPR & AED Training. We will cover critical skills needed to respond when someone becomes unresponsive or stops breathing, how to effectively use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and how to manage choking incidents.

CPR, AED, and First Aid

COMPREHENSIVE CPR, AED, & FIRST AID

Duration: 4-4.5 Hours

This extended session covers not only CPR and AED use but also essential first aid techniques. Participants learn to manage a variety of urgent health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, seizures, severe allergies, and more, along with handling blood borne pathogens. 

Stop the Bleed

CRITICAL BLEEDING CONTROL TRAINING

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Stop the Bleed training is vital in a world where accidents or violent incidents can occur. This course empowers you with the knowledge to recognize life-threatening bleeding and effectively manage it using compression techniques, wound packing, and tourniquet application. 

bottom of page