*Guest blog by Joallore Alon, (@clickflickca on Twitter). Joallore , a member of the Red Cross Twitter Team, is co-hosting a Red Cross CPR Tweet-up in Toronto on Nov. 16. The class is one of six happening across the country as part of CPR Awareness Month.
Have you ever had to do CPR? I, personally, have never had to. However, recently a colleague collapsed at work and became unconscious. This was my first realization that I may have to actually give CPR.
This incident really scared me and I felt compelled to act. It struck me because I was always one who thought I would never have to give CPR.
I've always felt that I don't want to put my mouth on a stranger’s mouth especially if they're unconscious, but you don't think about this when you are in the moment. You need to act fast as time is always of the essence.
Thankfully, my co-worker did not need CPR and medical staff arrived five minutes later to assess her. That five minutes, in most cases when CPR is required, can be the most critical in saving one's life.
Understanding that almost 70% of cardiac or emergencies happen at home, is another reason I've chosen to learn CPR. Learning CPR has enabled me to understand the methods and also give me the opportunity to ask the questions that we don’t usually have time for during emergencies.
Learning to take CPR is probably one of the most important steps you can take to making sure loved ones and others around you continue to enjoy this gift of life. CPR saves lives! I encourage you to learn CPR and make a difference. The few hours of learning can mean a loved one's lifetime. Think about it!!
This year there are six #RedCrossCPR classes being held in Halifax, St. John's, Edmonton, Toronto, Richmond Hill (York Region) and London, ON. If you are interested to participate, please RSVP.