CPR Certification

Early into my Saturday run, we came across a fellow runner who was surrounded by other runners as the paramedics administered CPR. He wasnt training with my group (Team in Training) but we learned that he was training with Chicago Endurance Sports. It was a frightening thing to see, and I told my pace group that I could no longer watch - so we continued our run. The man's face has passed through my mind many times over the past few days, and just the other night I was telling Jeff (my husband) over dinner that I felt we both should become CPR certified. I didn't know what had happened to that man, or who he was, or if he was ok - until today.

A Chicago Endurance Sports representative passed some information onto one of our representatives about the man we saw. His name is Sam Nelson and his is currently doing well and resting at a local hospital. The doctors found he had one completely blocked artery, and one that was 93% blocked. He went through angioplasty the day of the run and was scheduled for bypass heart surgery yesterday or today.

The Chicago Endurance Sports rep also sent along some important tips - some I felt it was important to post:
This speaks to the importance of a few things for our team and for all runners;

Always run with ID. Wear your CES shoe ID tag on your shoes with the complete information.

Get a regular physical from your doctor. If you are 40 years or older make sure to have a regular blood panel done as well as a stress test. Being a runner, doesn’t mean we are exempt from cardiovascular risk.

If you have heart history in your family, consider exams like Heart Check America and complete cardiology tests.

Watch out for your running teammates CES and otherwise. It never fails to amaze me how caring runners are on the path. One of our very own “Tanya” helped save Sam’s life on the path by starting CPR. Ironically, she had just read her CPR booklet Friday night! A doctor and nurse ran by and stopped to help until the paramedics arrived.

Get CPR certified. You can save a life like Sam’s.

This email motivated me to actually DO something. I found that there are two organizations most often suggested for CPR training - The American Red Cross and The American Heart Association. The American Red Cross offers courses itself, but doesnt have an opening until September. I feel that I need to do this sooner than later, and so kept looking. The American Heart Association simply offers the names of providers of courses. One of these providers apparantly offers courses daily - and I emailed them to confirm. Hopefully I can get this done asap, and feel a bit better about my ability to help out if I am ever needed.