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You really can use CPR to save a life.

Update: September 30, 2024
Summary: This article now includes more recent real-life success stories where people have used CPR to save a life, updated CPR statistics, and further insights. We’ve also featured a personal account from Pauline W., a real life success story from someone we trained!


a family of four at home for dinner. The father is wearing a gray shirt and is clutching his chest, stumbling as he walks towards the dining table indicating a cardiac arrest

Imagine you are at home, enjoying dinner with your family. You are chatting with the kids about how their days went as your husband starts clearing the plates. He walks over to clear your son’s plate when he suddenly collapses.

You instinctively jump out of your chair and rush to check if he’s okay. He’s not responding, is not conscious, and you can’t detect any breathing. The kids are panicking, and you have no idea what to do. You remember doing a First Aid course a couple of years back, but it was so long ago, and you’re not sure what that CPR slide on the PowerPoint said…

What if this happened to you? Would you be ready?

Can you use CPR to save a life?

Yes, CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is incredibly effective. Immediate CPR can double or even triple survival rates for cardiac arrest victims. When someone’s heart stops beating, every second counts, and CPR helps maintain blood flow until advanced medical care can take over.

Recent Stories Where people have used CPR to Save a Life.

1. Pauline W.’s Heroic Response in Chermside

Pauline W., a participant in our CPR course at My First Aid Course Brisbane in Chermside, became a real-life hero just days after her training. While walking her dog, she discovered an unconscious woman. Thanks to her recent CPR training, Pauline quickly dialed Triple Zero (000) and performed CPR for six minutes until paramedics arrived.

The paramedic praised her, stating, “Very good CPR, by the way.” Pauline credits her instructor, Mark, for giving her the confidence and skills to act. Read more about Pauline’s story here.

2. Serendipity Street, Brisbane

In February 2017, Di Wilschefski suffered a cardiac arrest while walking. Two nurses initiated CPR, and another fetched an AED from the local bank. Within eight minutes, they restarted Di’s heart, perfectly demonstrating the “chain of survival” in action. Learn more about this incident here.

3. Gate 84, Brisbane Airport

a person uses cpr to save a life at brisbane airport reinactment photo
Reinactment

James Rousell collapsed after getting off a flight, suffering a complete cardiac arrest. Quick action from Brisbane Airport’s Aviation Rescue Firefighters ensured continuous CPR until the Queensland Ambulance Service arrived. This seamless response saved his life, even after 70 minutes without a steady pulse. You can read about his survival journey here.

The Importance of Learning CPR

CPR is incredibly beneficial. It maintains blood flow, provides vital oxygen to the brain, and increases survival chances. In emergencies, even imperfect CPR is better than doing nothing. According to the Australian Resuscitation Council, any CPR attempt is better than none.

By learning CPR, you could be the difference between life and death in emergencies. Sadly, less than one in ten Australians know how to perform CPR. By taking a course with My First Aid Course Brisbane, you can be prepared to help loved ones, friends, or even strangers in critical situations.

Why You Should Enroll in Our CPR Course Today

happy first aid class in a training room.

You can learn how to give CPR to save a life with our CPR course at My First Aid Course Brisbane provides you with the skills and confidence to act effectively in emergencies. In just a few hours, you’ll learn:

  • How to recognize a cardiac arrest
  • The correct techniques for chest compressions and rescue breaths
  • How to use an AED, a vital device that dramatically increases survival rates

Our courses are led by experienced trainers who are passionate about teaching life-saving skills. And as Pauline W.’s experience shows, what you learn could help you save a life.

Ready to use CPR to save a life? Book your CPR course today and gain the skills to become a real-life hero.

Jack Majlinger

Hi there! I'm Jack Majlinger. I began my first aid journey back in 2012, with my first "first aid" course. It was after a hiking accident where a friend had to be airlifted. Over the years, my first aid skills grew, I volunteered at equestrian events and local shows and became a first aid trainer. When I'm not working on content, I enjoy spotting birds in the wild and writing jangle pop tunes.