A Learning Experience
Last week my son and I were on our way to McDonald’s to get two large drinks when suddenly my son told me to turn around and go back. We had just passed the hardware store and as I glanced up I could see that someone was lying on the ground.
I managed to turn the car around and when we pulled into the parking lot of the hardware store I could see that the man was in serious trouble. He appeared to be non-responsive. There were two men standing over the man who was ill.
We asked what had happened and learned that the man had complained of not feeling well, had gone down on his knees, and had then fallen over. They had called 911 and were waiting for the ambulance. My son took the man’s pulse but there was no movement and I knew he needed more help than we could give.
How many times over the years had I thought about taking CPR and didn’t? I have never felt so helpless in my life. I called 911 again and urged them to hurry. They assured me someone was on the way.
I looked at my son kneeling by the man and he looked back at me questioningly. “Pray,” I said. “That’s all we can do.” And we did.
Within a few minutes folks who did know how to administer CPR pulled up and started the procedure.
It was close to one hundred degrees outside that day and I knew the black top the man was hot. I went to my car and found a blue sweater and put it under his head.
Twenty minutes after we arrived on the scene an ambulance arrived. I suspected it was too late and I learned later that it was.
A learning experience…
I live in a very small town and even though I didn’t know this man, I’m sure I knew some of his relatives. I hope they take a little consolation in the fact that he didn’t die alone and that there were people there praying for him.
I will always regret that I didn’t know how to do CPR. One of the first things I did the next day was to call and find a CPR class. I hope I never have to use it but if I do, next time I’ll be ready.
If you don’t know how to do CPR I hope you will learn from my story and take a class. You never know when you might be called upon to save someone’s life.
Good for you! I wish everyone would take a CPR course every year. Me included.
For 25 years I took a CPR course every year. I took my last one five years ago and you know I have never had to use it – not once! But believe me, you will feel so good knowing you can help if you are needed. And you will feel even better if you need to use it on a member of your family. Still it was nice of you to stop and do what you could for the poor man.
You are so right! It is very important to learn CPR! You can save the life of a family member, a stranger or anyone who needs such help! I am a new Follower of your Blog from the Sit & Relax Weekend Hop.
Judy – JUDY H-J’S THOUGHTS
He’s a very caring person!
Me too!
Teresa or Char….doesn’t matter. We like each other!
I mean Teresa! Teresa?
What a learning experience! That would definitely inspire me to get my CPR license. I’ve only taken one CPR class and that was a few years ago, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take that again! Oh, what an experience!
Oh, Char! I’m sorry you had to go through that and feel so helpless. I guess it wouldn’t be a bad idea to learn CPR. Although, if it was his time to go, it was his time to go. You guys did the best thing you could have done–prayed. You guys were a blessing to him whether he knew it or not!
Oh my, what a situation you were in! I am impressed at your son alerting you to turn the car around and his willingness to help. It is rare that younger people have that type of reaction. You’ve raised him well!
WM
What a sad story. Sad that the man died but was glad that you and your son was there and praying for him. Yes, CPR is necessary to know. I had a class on it some years ago. I’ve recently learned that breathing into the person can help as well, without compressions.
I had a startling experience this afternoon after coming from hardware store where I work but was off today. Usual route I go was blocked off by a fire truck and a city worker truck, so I went around and noticed police car blocked off another entrance. People standing around…..on way home I pulled over to allow a bomb squad truck with lights flashing to go by, headed toward the incident I just saw. Made me wanna cry. Going to listen to news now. Bye, will let you know what I find out. My heart goes out to the emergency workers and I always offer up prayers in all situations when I hear them go out with sirens blaring.