Damar Hamlin

[BillyMac]

The Damar Hamlin situation reminded me of the two times I did CPR on somebody, both times with a unpleasant result.

Back in the mid-1980's, I worked a summer part time job as a bartender and starter at a local golf course. We had a golfer come off the eighteenth green who collapsed in the parking lot. No breathing, no pulse. As a middle school coach I was certified in CPR, so while somebody called 911, I went to work the golfer. If one has never performed CPR for real on someone, one doesn't truly realize how physically demanding and tiring it is. While waiting for the ambulance, I became so tired that I almost had to stop. Luckily another golfer, who also knew CPR, showed up to help me. Took about fifteen minutes for the ambulance to show up and take him to the hospital, he didn't make it.

About five years ago, I was participating in a kayak race. I had already finished when a paddler, mid-race, slumped over in his kayak and fell in the water. Luckily a safety power boat was there and brought him back to shore. No breathing, no pulse. Three of us performed CPR on him. Took about twenty minutes for the ambulance to show up and take him to the hospital, he didn't make it.

Learn CPR, even if it's "Hands Only CPR". Don't do nothing, be a Good Samaritan and try to save a life.

Persuade your local town government to purchase automated external defibrillators for schools, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Persuade your church and gym to purchase automated external defibrillators.