I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I really didn’t want to learn CPR. I always thought there would be someone more knowledgeable around if the need ever arose, and if I learned it I might be obliged to resuscitate someone.
I was disabused of that belief several years ago when I was attending a CPR and first-aid training session for employees of Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks. Such training is mandatory because Senior Concerns is a licensed adult day care facility.
Our teacher asked us, “Who is the best person to perform CPR in an emergency?”
Being the Type A personality that I am, I immediately raised my hand and replied, “A doctor or a nurse.”
“Wrong,” the teacher said. “The best person to perform CPR in an emergency is you.”