The blood donation thread inspired me to start this thread.
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the US. CPR and defibrillators can save lives by restarting the heart, but quick action is critical and so starting resuscitation attempts before emergency personel arrive can be helpful.
Are you trained in CPR and AED use? How recent is your training?
AEDs are everywhere now, and they are fairly easy to use (some even make CPR easier). But you don't want the first time you ever see one to be in an emergency.
Courses are available through the Red Cross, the AHA, and many community groups.
Feel free to share your stories about training or about lives changed by first responders using CPR or defibrillators to inspire each other to get trained and keep the training fresh. We can make a difference!