Over 85% of cardiac arrest occurred at home, and sadly only one or if not none of the members in the

family knows CPR and knows what to do and how to treat the patient in case of cardiac arrest. This is so
because we Filipinos are either afraid to touch the patient because we lack knowledge on how to
properly treat the latter or we have this notion that only doctors and nurses or those who are in the
medical field are allowed to treat as such. Every time a cardiac arrest occurs whether at home or in the
streets no one would bother to touch the victim. We tend to wait for the proper person to treat them
because he is “the guy” par for the course.

For me it is an utmost knowledge that each and everyone in the community must learn. CPR and basic
first aid could and in fact save a victim’s life whenever and wherever cardiac arrest strikes. It can be
taught to many trough training and it is very easy to learn. It is not rocket science or a brainer that only
few can comprehend but it is easy to be taught to kids and above, at least this is in my own opinion
because for what I know only those who are in college and above can train basic CPR and first aid
application. This can be handful in rural areas specially in community on mountains because many of our
countrymen who resides in these areas are mostly indigents and access to “a quick go to” hospital is
hard.

Ever heard of the word “safety first?”. This is so true because being prepared is the best strategy for any
emergency situation. Medical emergencies and dangerous situation happens all the time specially
cardiac arrest, it can strike anywhere and everywhere so we are never aware when they will occur. As
stated above CPR and first aid training can literally save people’s lives and are many other benefits. A
small time invested in learning first aid and CPR can produce a lifetime of advantage. Knowing the
“basics” of first aid makes our world a better place because for one it makes our home a safer place. If
an accident occurs in our home you can act quickly if you know how to deal with the situation before an
ambulance arrives. Again in my opinion children can also take courses in CPR and basic first aid
application.

The other night I was surfing the internet for basic life support training and I bumped into this site which
tells the advantages of having knowledge of CPR and first aid application. Well I can say this is an
accurate description of reality, at least on what I am experiencing on my daily life, setting aside me being
a nurse. So First, You build Confidence and Peace of mind for yourself. Knowing you have the ability to
sustain a life until emergency personnel arrive is a powerful thing. Give yourself a confidence and relief
that you can help in an emergency situation. Second, Be Different. There are not enough individuals wo
would be prepared in case of emergency. Only 15%-20% who experience cardiac arrest receive
bystander CPR and this is largely due to people saying they were never trained. So it is kind of like they
only watched it on the television kind of deal or something. To put your mind at ease the percentage
presented herein is based on the site that I read. So people who have not undergo training is most likely
to cause injury like for example a few broken ribs to the victim, BUT GIVING A LIFE TO LIVE is far more
important than someone unsure of their abilities injuring the already unconscious individual without a
chance of survival. Third, the ability to save lives. Hands-on CPR is only an option. It has been shown to
be just as effective for adults who experience sudden cardiac arrest. Fourth, you gain respect from
people. Knowing CPR and first aid application can help you earn respect from your peers and give them
added trust in you. You become a dependable, reliable, responsible acquaintance and may even serve as
an inspiration to them. Lastly, from 85% above of cardiac arrest occur at home. Lives can be save by
significant others, friends, and even children.
 So let me tell you about the man who experienced it all. Have you heard that heroes do usually wear
capes and spandex? Well not at all times, some of them wear white uniform or even in a basketball
jersey. Here is what happened, one story is that a mayor of a town was brought to the hospital where
this nurse was on duty. The victim was basically dead when she was brought to the ER. Because of the
basic knowledge of this nurse about CPR and first aid she was revived. The nurse used his skills for
almost 30 minutes, imagine the victim was brain dead and this nurse just could not stop because he is
not hoping for the best but because of the basic life support. The victim survived with broken ribs.
Another story is that a man was accidentally fall head first in playing basketball, the same man saved his
life because of first aid application. Imagine the bystanders could not do anything because they do not
know what to do even a call for help or call for an ambulance but only utters “Man he cannot make it, he
is dead for sure”. The same man stood up and gave the basic life support and the victim survived. Yes
sometimes it is an act of God to save lives whenever death is staring at you, but sometimes he uses an
instrument, sometimes it is a miracle in human form, someone who got do it. He never ask for
admiration from his peers, he never ask for respect, but one thing he knows, he can be trusted when he
put his arms on your chest and pumped the bajeesus out of you. His friends can definitely count on him
and trust him with their lives.