CPR Saves Lives

As summer time heats up, many of us are headed to the swimming pool or the beach for some fun in the sun. But summer also means a spike in accidental drownings among children. Our own Dr. Jara Best made the news last month when she and a nurse administered CPR to a little girl who had nearly drowned.

About her role in saving Shawanda Birdsey’s life, Dr. Best said, “It was indeed a life changing experience to say the least.  After I realized that I had actually helped save her life, I was a little overwhelmed. However, I was also very grateful that I was at the right place at the right time to do what had to be done to help Shawanda."

It was nothing short of a miracle that two medical professionals were on the scene, but it got us thinking…what if they hadn’t been there? As Dr. Best says, “You do not have to be in the medical field to learn how to perform CPR. I think EVERYONE should learn CPR! As we all know, accidents happen all of the time and you never know when someone might need help."

“CPR stands for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. A person who is unresponsive, not breathing, and does not have a heartbeat or pulse needs CPR,” says Dr. Best. You can find CPR and first aid training classes through the American Red Cross or the American HeartAssociation.

We are so thankful that Dr. Best was able to remain calm and execute her CPR training flawlessly. She saved one little girl’s life, but we hope that her story will inspire many parents and caregivers to learn CPR and first aid or to get a refresher course!