I Thought I Knew What CPR Was Until I Took a Class

CPR has been on my bucket list for God knows how long. Why did I wait until I was 35 to take it? No explanation. How is it that we make time for all things personal such as nails, hair, skin, outings, tv, etc. but we don’t make time for something so important like possibly saving someone’s life?! Beats me. It was not until my kids were born that a fear was built inside me. As a mom, you become paranoid about everything and although I try not to be, I’d rather be safe than sorry.

There’s been several incidents with my 3 year old choking and although I did what I thought was right and prayed for the best; I go into full panic mode afterwards thinking about all the what ifs and hating myself for lagging the classes yet another year. One time she was literally choking on a piece of chip and she couldn’t breathe. I’ll never forget the fear in her eyes as she was panicking and looking in my eyes for help! Another time, in the pool; even though I was standing right there watching her, she went in too deep and I had to jump after her. Both times she cried after from fear and learned what it meant to choke. She is now extra careful when eating her food, near the water and also extra attentive with her 10month old sister to make sure she doesn’t put anything small in her mouth either.

Taking a CPR class was a 2020 goal of mine and I’m so proud to have checked it off my list in January. I posted about looking for a CPR expert to come to the house and I came across @dannythecprguy. Dany happened to be Armenian which was great because I brought over the grandparents and the babysitter who are all native Armenian speakers to learn as well. Statistically, 70% of Americans have no proper training in CPR classes. Sadly, 88% of the cardiac arrests happen in the home. What does that mean? Chances of it happening to a family member are pretty high; so it is our responsibility to be prepared, God forbid anything happens. Dany also mentioned that most Armenians know nothing about CPR and don’t even think about taking classes. Lack of commitment is definitely a cultural thing in that area or the fact that Armenians have a lot of old school (incorrect) ways of doing things. In any case, we need to spread the awareness.

The number one and most important thing I learned in the class today was this: CPR does not revive the heart! It’s simply to help pump oxygen in the brain so that the person doesn’t go brain dead! This is a very common misconception and everyone in the class today thought exactly as I did. It’s crucial to start CPR and not stop until 911 gets there to help. CPR is not a difficult process but the steps may seem complicated (based on cardiac arrest, drowning, choking on something, etc) and more than that, overwhelming. This is why it’s important and recommended to refresh your mind every few years.

I cannot tell you how much at ease I feel after yesterday’s class. Again, God forbid you are ever placed in a situation where you would need to know how to do this, but it’s crucial to be prepared! Dany was absolutely wonderful, knowledgeable, patient and organized and he comes to your home! You can contact him here or call him at 626-399-1172. Do yourself a favor and your family and friends too - invite them over and have CPR party! You will be forever appreciated.