My child choked on a piece of candy, and I was the person that gave it to him.
Headlines read, "Peppermint Attempts to Take Down Tough Guy"
As most of you know, I am a volunteer for the American Heart Association and a HUGE advocate for women's heart health. This month (June), the AHA is taking even more steps to educate adults about "Hands-Only CPR" with a 1 minute video at goredforwomen.org. I am asking you as my friends, family, fellow bloggers . . . Please take a minute to watch the video. You never know when the life you are going to save is going to be for your own loved one.
I just wanted to briefly share my personal story regarding taking a CPR course about a year ago . . .
I decided to go for a "refresher" CPR course a little over a year ago, because I was working in the church nursery a lot, and I thought that I should set a good example. Did I think I needed it? No. The baby gates had baby gates at my house. Gary and I were Wardens in the Napolitano baby jail (no danger allowed), and I was sure that I had removed everything out of harms way for my children. Beside that, I had worked with children and in hospitals for years. I would know what to do if I needed to perform CPR or first aid.
70% of Americans do not know how to administer CPR. 80% of cardiac arrests occur at home or work.
I took the CPR/First Aid course on a Saturday morning, and I was anticipating a great afternoon with Wendy, Joey, and Merrin. As I was cooking in the kitchen, it was fun to hear the kids playing together in the back with Wendy and Joey. And then I heard, "Jamie! He's choking!"
Brady had been playing with a peppermint in his mouth, and it was quickly sucked down into his windpipe with one of his infamous laughs.
I immediately had Gary call 911 and assessed the situation. He was not talking, coughing, or responding. The peppermint did not come out with some swats to his back. I had to perform the heimlich maneuver, and it took several attempts before the candy was propelled across the room and his airway was freed.
Surely we have a loving and merciful God to lead my reluctant heart to a CPR class THAT morning, guide me through the steps of the heimlich maneuver without panic, and to remind me that my children and family are not immune to emergencies just because I take precautions in my home. My child choked on a piece of candy, and I was the person that gave it to him. This was a very humbling experience that I am extremely grateful for.
It was not CPR. I did not have to do chest compressions, and I am glad that it did not come to that. We were in a household of adults that were able to respond to the circumstance, and Brady is a healthy, happy boy. I know when all of you look at your loved ones, there is nothing you wouldn't do to prevent harm, protect, or save their lives.
Visit goredforwomen.org now. There is a 60 second video that instructs you how to perform "Hands-Only" CPR for adults in the case of a cardiac arrest. Pass the website on to your family and friends. I don't care how busy you are, everyone has one minute to invest in their family and friends.
I love you all!
Jamie
