The month of October is Cardiac Arrest Awareness month and I thought I would share information the American Heart Association posted regarding the differences between cardiac arrest and a heart attack.
0 Comments
I give this video a cheese factor of ten, but it's catchy and easy to remember and, hey who doesn't like to see firefighters dancing? The disco balls hanging from the ladder trucks kills me! Stayin' Alive recorded by the Bee Gees (1977). "Wow. I guess disco really saves lives." While doing some research on the Internet the other day, I came across this superb illustration set out by the American Heart Association on what is an Automated External Defibrillator and thought I would share. Click on the link for more details.
On Monday, I was honored to award the two Point Bonita YMCA employees who saved my life back in June with the American Heart Association HeartSaver Hero award. I was so happy to finally meet them and they were just beyond thrilled to see me. . . alive. My good friend, Mary, had the perfect word to describe the whole affair. . . surreal. Oh my goodness, was it ever surreal. Here everyone from the YMCA staff to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Park Rangers who assisted in saving my life talking about events of that day and I knew they were talking about me, but it didn't feel like it was me. Like I was there, but I wasn't there. If that makes any sense. I have to admit, I was super nervous about getting up there and reliving my story, especially since much of it I do not remember. It was a good and well attended event and it was a huge honor to present these men with their awards. Then following the presentation, a spokesperson for the American Heart Association asked if I would repeat my tale in Seattle - date and time to be determined. Egads! I am so thankful to still be here, and incredibly grateful to Ed, who recognized the signs of me going into cardiac arrest. Then to Pete and Jesse who stepped up and did what they had to do to keep me alive. They did not know me, but that did not matter to them. I feel I will have a special bond with them for the rest of my life. They truly are my #YHeroes. Then to the rest of the YMCA staff who assisted in many ways and made Ed and I feel at home, and to Mary Perkins, who reached out to us, letting us know about this event. Again, just so glad I was able to witness the recognition they so rightfully deserved. Also incredibly thankful to the Ranger Eddy and Ranger Gibbs who also performed CPR on me and got me breathing on my own even before paramedics arrived. And of course, to Marin County Fire Department and Southern Marin County Fire Department and the doctors and staff at Marin County Hospital. Not very many people can say they have survived a cardiac arrest and without the quick action of Pete and Jesse, I would have never survived my second attack. Thanks for being there guys! And I can't stress enough those who are reading this, if you have not learned CPR, do it! Seconds really do count. Interview on channel 7 (ABC) - San Francisco: Cardiac Arrest Victims Thank Rescuers For Saving Them With CPR
I am glad I was finally able to take an epic trip with Ed to San Francisco (Take Two) - after our last failed adventure. Had a great time riding the cable car, driving down Lombard Street, and walking along Fisherman's Wharf. The weather was perfect the whole time we were there. Thanks to my friends Cheryl and Jerry who gave us a place to stay. We stayed up super late the first night, just laughing and talking. Wish it had been a longer visit and hope to see you guys again soon.
Also am grateful and ecstatic I got a chance to meet the YMCA gentlemen (Pete and Jesse) who saved my life back in June and present them with the American Heart Association HeartSaver Hero plaques. They truly are MY HEROES. Happy we finally had the chance to hike down to the Point Bonita Lighthouse. The hike was a little harder and longer then what I thought, but was so thrilled to say, we finally did it! Thanks so much to the Point Bonita YMCA staff who made us feel welcomed. In addition, I was pleased to meet Ray Hanvey. The two of us decided we belong to an exclusive club. He is alive today also because of quick acting YMCA staff members having performed CPR and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). I felt very humbled in his presence - as the employees at the Stonestown YMCA are truly his family. Ed said it best as we pulled into the garage last night - this weekend gave us a change to beat California. We no longer afraid of her. |
"Hey. . . it's me."I live in the shadows of the Olympic Mountains in the state of Washington and I love camping, boating, kayaking, hiking, and hanging out with my husband, our three adult children, and our Bernese Mountain dog, Henry. Tags
All
|