I have just renewed my instructor certification for AHA CPR. Once again, I am reminded how easy it is to help when someone is faced with a medical crisis. I hear again and again that when someone collapses, others just stand around and watch. What a helpless feeling that must be when you stand there not knowing what to do.

Giving the person the best chance for survival starts with quality chest compressions, hard and fast (100-120 beats/minute, 2-2.4″ deep). Even if that is all you can do, that is something. If you conduct a YouTube search for “Hands-only CPR,” you will get several videos that will help you understand what you could do to help save a life.

It is a given that we don’t know what is going on inside a person’s body. What we do know is that if they have any chance of survival, getting those compressions going quickly can increase their odds. Don’t be afraid- you are covered by the “Good Samaritan Law.” Google it. And, when you have time and opportunity, take a good CPR class.

It’s a great day to save a life!