I’m very excited to share an amazing experience with all of you.  I’m now officially CPR certified. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is given to an individual who is unconscious and not breathing. Performing CPR can help keep a persons blood flowing from their heart to their brain, which can increase their chance of survival until paramedics arrive. Being CPR certified is a wonderful feeling, because I’ve always wanted to know how to do CPR properly just in case I was ever in a situation when it might be needed. However, at the same time I’m nervous because I don’t know if I would actually have the guts to do it. If the situation was life or death, I’m sure that I would try my best to perform CPR.

As easy as CPR may seem when another person is doing it, there are actually very complicated and important steps that need to be followed. At first I thought that CPR could be given to everyone in the same way – by pushing on the chest and breathing into their mouths. However, that’s not the case. I learned that the way an adult receives CPR is completely different compared to a 5 year old, or an infant. Regardless of age, it’s always important to check to see if the person is responsive and if they’re breathing before you start CPR. You’ll also need to know the correct amount of pressure to use and the number of compressions for infants, children, and adults.

CPR was all new to me until today. However, now that I’m certified and well educated on the correct technique and safe ways to perform CPR, I’m prepared. I think it’s a good idea that every teenager becomes CPR certified, because you never know when the knowledge could come in handy. Plus, the training will also teach you what to do if someone is choking.

Wouldn’t you rather be known for saving someone’s life because YOU performed CPR rather than wishing that you could have, should have, or would have?

-Kayla