CPR works.

[texkam]

Helped save a man's life tonight. I was the first responder and started CPR. Had an AED on hand. We had to use it 5 times. He made it! Get CPR AED trained! :heart:

 

[LightMatters]

Good Work, texkam! I have my CPR AED certification, but have never had to use it.

 

[texkam]

If you do, you'll do fine, but it will freak you out afterwards.

I work evenings at a municipal rec center. We all get re-certified every year. In an unusual twist, while this was happening we had the front lobby full with top city staff, the Fire Chief, Chief Medical Officer and an entire Fire and Rescue Emergency staff. They were in the middle of a ceremony recognizing the efforts made exactly 3 weeks ago by my fellow staff member and others involved in saving another patron's life. Go figure. Needless to say, I cleared out that meeting. If the guy had to go down, that was the night to do it.

 

[ChaseH]

I was diving a very very popular spot off the big island of Hawaii in 2011, and a fellow arrested off the back of an adjacent boat. The crew was able to cut him free of his gear and save him with CPR. It was probably a huge help that he was very close to shore and more advanced aid, because most divers I've told of the tale, including many professionals, have been surprised that he survived. The AEDs are amazing, yet out at sea the efforts are unfortunately often futile. Great job doesn't say enough about what you did. The lesson to learn the methods and gear is invaluable, in more normal circumstances at least.