Basic CPR Training

Last night, I was out to dinner with my family and we noticed the manager speaking with an elderly woman who was slumping in her chair two tables away. We overheard him say to her companion that he was going to call an ambulance. After he left to call, she continued to slump in her chair. My wife and I got up at the same time as a woman from the next table did. The three of us approached the declining woman and helped her to the floor. She was conscious but very weak. We got her comfortable on the floor and were able to get some basic information from her and her companion about her health, so we had a good sense that she would be fine until the paramedics arrived.

The paramedics arrived, we gave them as much information as they needed to transition to her care. Knowing she was in good hands and apparently going to be fine, we continued with our dinner.

Everyone in our office has current CPR training. My wife, a teacher, has to stay current with her CPR training. The lady at the next table, who also helped care for the woman in the restaurant, also had solid first aid/CPR training. We didn’t know each other and did not know the woman who fainted. But we all saw someone in need and helped without a second thought.

Thankfully, it doesn’t seem like the issue was too serious. I’m sure she was thoroughly checked out at the hospital. I’m glad the extent of our help was to make sure she was conscious and comfortable. I’m glad the situation was as calm as it was. I’m glad we had the training we did.

When we were saying goodnight to our kids that night, they all said they were happy the lady was going to be ok. I hope they can look back on that night and it inspires them to get the basic training to be able to help if they were in that situation.

Below are a few options for classes if you are interested in getting trained in CPR or FirstAid:

• mayfieldheights.org
• cpraedcourse.com
• redcross.org