CPR Can Save A Life

To the Editor:

On a warm sunny afternoon surrounded by friends and neighbors you are participating in a softball game. The intensity of winning is in the air. Fathers are advising their sons and daughters in the strategy of winning and fair play. Mothers are talking about the summer’s events. You and your neighbors have set aside time for recreation… a time for relaxation from the day to day obligations. The common thread is that there just isn’t enough time in today’s society for all the promises and commitments, which are lined up day after day. Within a few short weeks the children will be back in school and new obligations will begin to pile up.

Suddenly, a female friend from across the field (someone whom you have shared picnics, parties and PTO events with) screams for help.  A moment ago she stood talking with her best friend, her husband. A crowd forms around her and she kneels beside her loved one. Everyone’s attention is focused on the man lying on the ground. Mothers and fathers grab hold of their children so they do not see what is going on. The baseball coach runs across the field to help. A woman with a portable phone calls 911. Within minutes the wail of sirens can be heard in the distance as Emergency Personnel rush to the scene.

Helplessness fills the air as neighbors and friends attempt to do something. The coach leans close to his friend… listening, speaking in an attempt to gain signs of life. A moment passes and there is no response, the coach begins CPR.

The wife, held in compassion by her neighbor, is overwhelmed. Without warning she collapses. The community is shocked by the events which have unfolded before them.

The words which are exchanged are those of hope... disbelief, shock, and sadness. Would you know what to do if this happened to your loved one or neighbor?

Be prepared, learn what to do, join us for “CPR Saturday,” take a few hours out of our busy schedule to learn CPR. It may save a life!

“CPR Saturday” will be held in conjunction with your local Emergency Medical Service provider on Saturday, October 14, beginning at 9 am. For more information or to register, call 744-8118 or toll free at 888/CPR-6121.

Kristin Peterson

5 Plum Tree Road, Newtown                                       October 4, 2000