By Brynn Morey
For many people the re-launch of the HBO series “Sex and the City” titled “And Just Like That” was greatly anticipated. Fans, like me, waited years for this. However, I have never been able to get the first episode of the series out of my mind.
Stay with me for those of you who never watched the show. You see, the beloved couple, Carrie and Mr. Big, whom millions had followed for many years, experienced a great tragedy. After a ride on his Peloton bike, Mr. Big, AKA John, Carrie’s soulmate, experiences cardiac arrest. When Carrie arrives home, she runs to hold him while he struggles and takes his last breath. This is the part that sticks in my mind: why didn’t she give him CPR? Did she not know CPR? As a CPR instructor for more than seven years, it got me thinking how many people don’t know this life-saving skill.
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped. The primary goal of CPR is to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. Often, someone experiencing a cardiac emergency requires assistance immediately, as death can result quickly.
While some people may experience warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness before a cardiac emergency, others may not show any noticeable symptoms and appear quite healthy. Cardiac emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health.
Cardiac arrest is caused when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. The heart stops beating properly. Cardiac arrest may be reversed if CPR is performed, and a defibrillator shocks the heart and restores a normal heart rhythm within a few minutes. Prompt and effective CPR can be a critical factor in the survival of the individual. Timing is the key. The average emergency medical services response time from the moment a 911 call is placed to arrival to the victim is 8 to 9 minutes. This is why learning CPR can be so critical.
Performing CPR, which continues to circulate oxygen in the blood throughout the victim’s body, can greatly increase their survival chances while waiting for EMS to arrive. Think of it as if you are on the front lines of an emergency. The person experiencing the emergency could be a family member, a neighbor, a friend or a stranger in the grocery store; you are their best chance for their survival, which is a very powerful thing.
With the new year upon us, many of us are thinking about the future. Should we focus on our health, career or relationships? Some of us are making resolutions or deciding not to make resolutions simply because we don’t want to break them. Regardless of what is on your mind for 2024, I encourage you to consider becoming certified in CPR. There is no way of knowing if or when someone may need your help someday. I cannot think of a better skill to add to your back pocket than the skill of possibly being able to save someone’s son, daughter, mother, friend, family member or stranger’s life.
Research organizations in your community that offer CPR classes, they are often very affordable, and it only takes about half a day to learn this skill. Monroe County Extension Services offers CPR courses to the public throughout the Keys. A simple phone call to our office is all it takes: 305-292-4501.
