Kids Should Learn CPR Too

Most of us are aware that CPR can save a life, but few make the time to learn to administer it properly unless it's a job requirement.  Did you know that most cardiac arrests happen at home?  Did you know that kids have amazing memories and are far more likely to jump into action in an emergency situation than adults are?  There are so many stories of kids who watched a brief training class or read a informational poster in a cafeteria and then put that information to use months or years later with complete confidence...and success!

Sadly, though, a majority of people do not know it.  In fact, 70% of Americans feel helpless during cardiac emergency, according to the American Heart Association.  That's particularly scary given that 88% of cardiac arrests occur at home.  I've ready two stories of how teenagers have performed CPR on younger children and saved their lives.  (You can ready about them here and here.)  The teenagers all credit their quick, life-saving reaction and CPR skills to prior training.  (http://www.chicagonow.com/between-us-parents/2014/09/why-your-children-should-learn-cpr/)

How old do you have to be to earn CPR, you may ask?  Well, the AHA doesn't want to draw a hard line in the sand because individuals are so different.  The age of 12 is given as a general guideline; however, instructors are given the ability to judge the maturity level of the child to determine if they are capable of listening, applying the skills they are being taught, practicing those skills, and retaining those skills for later use.  In my years as an instructor, I would be lying if I didn't mention that I have met a few 15 year olds that couldn't get serious enough and listen and participate long enough to be certified, but I've also had many in the under 12 age range which I certified because they were certainly mature enough...I'd have no qualms with them performing CPR on me should the need arise, and that's really the bottom line here.

When a cardiac arrest happens, the earlier someone springs into action to get blood flowing between the victims heart and brain, the better the outcome.  That means if a family member starts CPR at home, that's far better than waiting for paramedics to arrive 5-10 minutes after collapse, even in the most ideal scenarios when 911 is called immediately.  

We can teach a family, group of friends, LifeGroup, study group, parenting group, or other group of six or more and let you choose the date and time.  We'll even bring training to your location within the metro if you like, with instructors working various shifts to accommodate just about any schedule.  We promise to make it fun and educational.  

Make learning CPR a family affair!  We have taught family groups that had recently purchased a pool and insisted that all kids that planned to play in it be trained first; we taught another that was made up of four generations of the same family.  What better way to bond and learn a skills that can change the destiny of your family?  Call us today and we'll get you on the road to learning the most important skill you may ever learn.

#kidslearn #trainthewholefamily #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

-Ginger Davis

Heartland CPR, llc

405-603-6666

www.HeartlandCPR.com

Are You Prepared For An Emergency?

As the seasons change, families find themselves spending more time outside.  Few put much thought into being prepared for emergencies before they happen, but doing so can save so much pain and suffering...and Heartland CPR makes it so easy to be the hero in any circumstance without a lot of time, effort and research on your part!

We took the time to seek out several good options for well-supplied first aid kits in a variety of sizes and then we even added some items that we consider non-negotiable items that aren't usually available in ready-made kits.  We stock kits ranging in size from mini, small, medium, large, to deluxe as well as a pet-specific first aid kit!  With a phone call, you can be prepared for anything from a hiking trip to supplying a small business the kits they need to be prepared.  Learn more about the contents of each and let us help you stay prepared for the unexpected.

#emergency preparedness #firstaidkits #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis

Heartland CPR, llc

405-603-6666

www.HeartlandCPR.com

Why We Do What We Do

In the years since this business was conceived back in 2003, we've trained thousands of individuals in CPR and First Aid.  It can be tempting to let something we see and talk about so often become mundane, but we work hard to make sure that it doesn't.  When we bring a new instructor aboard, we don't go about it in the typical way.  First of all, our standards are extremely high, so when we want someone based on their observed character and work ethic, we approach them...not the other way around.  Second, we spend a lot of time finding ways to make classes inspiring, fun, and interactive...because, honestly, that's what sets us apart from everyone else that does what we do...and we value being different and better.  And, finally, when we hear a story about a save as a result of what we do, we make sure that our team of instructors...and especially the instructor that made it possible...share in that success along with us.  This is one such story...

In April 2015, late one evening, I received a Facebook message from a very skaken-up father that read in part:

"I took a class with Heartland Cpr at Kirkpatrick Bank in summer of 2013. Tonight I had to perform the Heimlich maneuver on my 15 month old son and it worked. I now want to get my father and mother in law plus my mom in a class. They watch him during the day. Let me tell you I am still shaken up. I've never had that happen. This is our first child and I almost hit our panic button. On the fourth backslap it came out. It was quinoa noodles he choked on. They were cut up into small pieces and he still choked on them."

As Brett unpacked this story, he had taken a class with us a couple of years prior at an employer he no longer worked for but who has become one of our favorite places to teach; for years, they have had us in to teach whatever employees they have that are willing to give up a Saturday afternoon to get trained in Heartsaver First Aid + CPR.  At the time, Brett wasn't even a father nor were he and his wife expecting, but he decided to take advantage of training that was paid for by his employer because you never know when it'll come in handy.  Soon after, the young family is expecting and eventually welcomes a son.  Fast forward a couple of years, Brett's 15 month old son choked before his eyes.  After initial panic, he remembered his training and responded with what he had learned there...and it worked perfectly.

Soon after counting his blessings, Brett reached out to thank us for teaching him what had saved his son this fateful evening.  He specifically remembered the impassioned instructor Jonetta, who taught him those skills.  Jonetta received many accolades in the five years she instructed for us because, if you were in one of her classes, you'd never guess that she had said those same things over and over that week...and the week before...and the week before that.  You'd probably feel as if you were the most important class she'd ever taught.  When Brett wanted to schedule a class for family members that keep his son, we were happy to make sure that Jonetta was on hand to be their instructor.  We took a picture to commemorate the reunion of Brett and Jonetta that day.

Something that we really stress to all our instructors is that the class they're teaching may be this person's only exposure to these skills in their lifetime, so make it count!  Make it memorable.  It's more than just a job for us.  It has the potential to save a life, so teach with passion.  Stories like Brett's are why we do what we do and can never, ever forget it. 

#heartsaver #hero #lifesaver #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis
Heartland CPR, llc
405-603-6666
www.HeartlandCPR.com

Flashback: Better Business Bureau announces winners of 2014 Torch Awards

Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma recently announced the winners of the 2014 Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence. Bob Mills Furniture, Diffee Ford Lincoln, Drabek & Hill and Heartland CPR were recognized for demonstrating ethical practices toward customers, suppliers, employees and the communities in which they do business. The winners were selected in four categories based on the number of employees.

“We are honored to present the Torch Awards to these outstanding and deserving Oklahoma companies,” said Kitt Letcher, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma. “They illustrate the pinnacle of commitment to ethical and business standards that build trust in the marketplace.”

Winner of the one to nine employee category was Heartland CPR. The company provides American Heart Association training since 2003 to the Oklahoma City metro area, statewide and, at times, beyond Oklahoma’s borders. Heartland CPR endeavors to set the training standard by making learning fun, offering superior service to customers and retaining talented trainers who continually strive for excellence in their fields.

Drabek & Hill took top honors in the 10 to 50 employee category. The company, founded in 1961, has earned a reputation for service excellence and total customer satisfaction. Drabek & Hill has grown to one of Oklahoma’s largest heating and air conditioning contractors, known for delivering the best in quality and service. Consultants and service technicians provide statewide sales and service for all makes and models of air conditioning, air treatment and heating manufacturers.

Diffee Ford Lincoln won in the 50 to 100 employee category. Diffee Ford Lincoln, in El Reno, is one of the premier dealerships in the area. The company has been family owned and operated since 1954 and is committed to customer service striving to provide a positive experience for the life of the vehicle.

The 100 or more employee category award winner was to Bob Mills Furniture. The furniture retailer was founded in 1971 with headquarters in Oklahoma City offering hassle-free furniture shopping in a commission-free environment. Bob Mills operates seven stores in Oklahoma and Texas, including Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Lubbock, Odessa, Temple, Waco and Midland.

The companies were judged based on four criteria, including management practices, community, investor and stakeholder relations, communications and marketing practices, and industry reputation. The awards were presented during a ceremony April 17.

For more information, visit oklahomacity.bbb.org.

- published Apr 25, 2014

#bbb #torchaward #ethics #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis
Heartland CPR, llc
405-603-6666
www.HeartlandCPR.com