When Damar Hamlin hit the ground after making a tackle in the Cincinnati Bengals/Buffalo Bills game, CPR was needed to save Hamlin’s life.  CPR is a life saving skill and OSF Healthcare pediatric wellness specialist Jordan Meeks says that it is a critical skill for young people to learn.

Meeks visits schools across Illinois teaching students hands-only CPR.  Recently she was in a town where first responders might take a little longer to get to an emergency which is why it’s so important to learn CPR.  

CPR is used when someone is unconscious and in cardiac arrest.  The first thing to do is call 9-1-1. If you’re by yourself, put the phone on speaker while you help the person out.  Get over the person, interlink your fingers and press hard in the middle of the chest over and over. 

CPR may also be done with an AED or automated external defibrillator.  An AED is a small device that’s common in schools and workplaces these days.  Meeks explains that two pads are applied to the patient's skin with one near the heart and the other on the person’s side with wires leading to the AED box. 

AED will continue the cycle of shocks and CPR until the first responders arrive.  Teaching hands-only CPR doesn’t require certification, Meeks says.  Someone can easily learn the tools and pass them on to others. Meeks encourages you to call your local first responders, your local hospital, or the American Red Cross to learn more about mouth-to-mouth resuscitation training. See a full guide for CPR here.