HeartSaver First Aid and CPR class to be held in Wesson

By Guest Columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid

Imagine this: someone suddenly collapses, their heart stops, and precious seconds are ticking away. In that moment, the difference between life and death could be whether someone nearby knows CPR -- cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

CPR is not just for doctors, nurses, or EMTs. It is a life-saving skill that anyone who is able-bodied can learn. The truth is, most cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals, often in homes, schools, churches, or community events. If you know CPR, you may be the one who saves a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger.

September is good time to prepare for October, which is recognized as National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month and shines a light on this critical health issue and encourages people to learn CPR.

Sudden cardiac arrest claims thousands of lives each year, but immediate action from a bystander --using CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) -- can more than double a person’s chances of survival.

There are several versions of CPR training depending on your role:

• Basic Life Support (BLS): Designed for healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, and EMTs. BLS includes advanced skills such as two-person CPR and focuses heavily on team dynamics, whether in a hospital setting or in pre-hospital care situations. It prepares medical professionals to work together efficiently and effectively to save lives.

• HeartSaver: Geared toward the community -- teachers, coaches, parents, grandparents, and anyone who wants to be prepared. It focuses on CPR, the use of an AED, and basic first aid skills.  An AED, when combined with CPR, dramatically increases survival chances by restoring a normal heart rhythm. Many public places, including schools, gyms, and churches, have AEDs available, and part of training is learning how to use them confidently.

In recognition of this important awareness month, Do Good ProHealth Associates will be offering a HeartSaver First Aid and CPR class in Wesson on Thursday, October 23, at the warehouse of Grace Foam Solutions (21 34 US 51).  Time: 5:30 p.m.  Cost: $60 per person (a discounted rate from the usual $80).  Class size is limited to 20 participants.  RSVP is required to reserve your spot.  This is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together, learn, and prepare to save lives.

At Do Good ProHealth Associates, we believe in equipping our community with the tools and knowledge to act in emergencies. We are your local resource for all things first aid and CPR related.  To learn more or to reserve your place in the October class, visit www.dogoodCPR.com.

CPR is not complicated; it’s practical, it’s powerful, and it’s personal. The next life you save could be someone you love.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Dr. Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).  She is also a Mississippi Health Ambassador.