Last week’s case of the Nashville Boulevard Bolt runner who had a heart attack and was saved on the course by CPR illustrates just how vital it is that everyone be trained in CPR.
Although a heart attack is a tragic event, the scenario that played out that day was both fortuitous and downright lucky. The bystanders’ knowledge of compression CPR was credited with saving the man's life.
But there are far too many situations which end very differently for the victim because no one administered CPR, whether from a lack of knowledge, fear or uncertainty.
In 2006, Tennessee took a step in the right direction with legislation encouraging CPR to be taught in schools. This effort to save Tennessee lives would be solidified by making hands-on CPR training a mandatory requirement for students to graduate from Tennessee schools.
This will ensure that situations like that of the Boulevard Bolt runner will have a greater likelihood of success by increasing the chances that a bystander with CPR knowledge will be present the next time this terrifying scenario plays out. The American Heart Association reminds us that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women, claiming 1 in 3 of us. Wouldn’t it be great if all of our children knew this low-cost, lifesaving tool?
Mark Meredith, M.D.
Vanderbilt Pediatric ER
* * *
What a wonderful thing to teach our young people – the skill to help save a life. As part of our mission, the Greater Chattanooga Area American Red Cross strongly believes in educating everyone so they can respond when someone is experiencing an emergency and would welcome the opportunity to train and certify high school students in our service area.
Every year we hear stories of lives being saved; wouldn’t you want to know how to help a family member, friend, classmate or business associate in distress? So why wait? Enroll in a CPR class today at the Chattanooga Red Cross. It could help save a life.
Barbara Alexander
CEO, Greater Chattanooga Area American Red Cross
* * *
My son is a sophomore at Signal Mountain High School. He presented this idea to our school principal and superintendent for his class project. Dr. Scales and Dr. McCollough both were in agreement with the idea but cited funding issues.
If some funding source could be arranged, it probably could happen - at least in Hamilton County Schools.
CPR is a great thing to know as I have performed CPR on two victims myself. You never know who or where CPR will be needed.
Mike Harvey
Anesthetist
MHCRNA@AOL.COM
* * *
The American Heart Association is now teaching CPR without rescue breaths...compressions only. How many more people would be willing to help a stranger if they didn't have to put their mouth on the stranger to do so?
CPR should be included in Driver's Education courses, and both Driver's Ed and CPR should be requirements for both a High School Diploma or GED. Taking it a step farther, how about making Driver's Ed and CPR required to receive (and maintain) a TN Driver License? Add a computerized CPR refresher to the DMV license renewal procedure. It has to start somewhere, guys.
Zach Jaggers
Firefighter/EMT-IV
Cleveland Fire Department